How High-growth Enterprises Make It in Michigan

• Launching a startup requires self-belief and the ability to learn from setbacks.

• Michigan is emerging as a vibrant hub for innovation and music tech startups, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of the region.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs should focus on building a strong network through collaboration, sharing their stories to establish their brand, and forming syndication groups to navigate their journey together.

Launching a startup involves many risks and requires a strong belief in oneself. Schwartz emphasized the importance of overcoming the fear of failure and using setbacks as opportunities to learn from mistakes.  

Ward shared the challenges he faced when launching his startup, TiiCKER, highlighting the concepts of “day science” and “night science.” Day science refers to the process of building a platform that focuses on the needs of its users, while night science involves managing finances carefully to avoid depleting funds while building relationships with investors. “As an executive, you go to be involved enough in the day science to make sure it works, but strategically, you got to raise your eyes enough to see six months, a year down the road,” Ward stated.

Wallace discussed the difficulties of securing early-stage funding for her startup, noting that this challenge can persist even as the business progresses.

Many startups are emerging around the world, but why should someone consider launching a startup in Michigan? Chang frequently faces the question, “Why Grand Rapids?” In response, he highlights that West Michigan is becoming a rising innovation hub, and he aims to be a catalyst in this transformation. Additionally, Schwartz emphasizes the opportunity to be part of “the comeback of a great American city,” underscoring the passion surrounding this mission in Michigan. For those interested in music tech startups, there are further compelling reasons to launch in Michigan. The state has a rich creative economy, particularly known for its historical influence in the music industry, with Detroit being a notable center of this legacy. “Instead of mobility, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing being our things that we’re really known for, maybe that would be our extra other thing, that we would be known for as one of our biggest exports,” Wallace expressed.

Several key factors must be considered when embarking on the journey to ensure success for anyone aspiring to become an entrepreneur. Based on Chang’s experience, collaboration and partnerships are essential for building a strong network and support system filled with individuals who share your vision. Schwartz advises aspiring entrepreneurs to explore various ways to share their stories and establish the brand they wish to be recognized for. Schwartz also touched on taking initiative and saying, “Be scrappy and start building. I think there’s this misconception you need to follow a conventional playbook and write a business plan and then go pitch for Venture Capital.” Finally, Ward encourages the creation of syndication groups to foster collaboration, ensuring you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 

This 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference session was hosted by The Kresge Foundation.