A Unique Kalamazoo Firm Helps Underserved Entrepreneurs Close the Gap

On a recent episode of The Small Business Weekly Podcast, Michael Rogers talks with Dwayne Powell Jr., Chief Operating Officer & Managing Partner Main Street for Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, a VIP member of the Small Business Association of Michigan, about how strategic investments, relationships and resources can help underserved entrepreneurs across Michigan grow and succeed.

Kalamazoo Forward Ventures is a $50 million private equity and venture capital firm operating three specialized funds focused on supporting underserved entrepreneurs. The organization works to address economic disparities by investing in minority and female developers, technology startups and traditional Main Street businesses.

For Powell, supporting entrepreneurs goes beyond simply providing financial resources. While access to capital is important, he believes that having the right relationships, guidance and connections can make an even greater difference in helping businesses reach their potential.

“Money is important – it’s a big factor – but we really provide strategic relationships to help these companies scale, whether it be fractional C-suite executives to be able to work alongside them, different types of consultants and mentors, and really connections to open up doors so they can really expand their business,” Powell says. “So that’s the most important thing. We do call ourselves, a little term that we’ve coined, the rich uncles.”

By combining financial investment with hands-on support, mentorship and meaningful connections, Kalamazoo Forward Ventures aims to give entrepreneurs more than just the funding they need to get started. The organization works alongside business owners to help them overcome barriers, build stronger foundations and create opportunities for long-term growth.

For small business owners, this highlights the importance of having a strong support system and surrounding themselves with people who can offer guidance, share expertise and open doors to new opportunities.

Listen to The Small Business Weekly Podcast Episode 553 to hear the full conversation with Dwayne Powell Jr. and learn more about how Kalamazoo Forward Ventures is investing in Michigan entrepreneurs and helping underserved businesses access the resources, relationships and support they need to grow.

The Small Business Weekly Podcast, presented by the Small Business Association of Michigan, delivers a new interview with an entrepreneurial expert each week – featuring practical advice and success stories designed to support and inspire Michigan’s small business community.

Visit SBAM’s Media Hub for past episodes of the Small Business Weekly Podcast.