"Entrepreneur of the Year" in greater Kalamazoo County.

32 contenders in this category.

About this category: Nominees are business owners whose leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have visibly shaped their business's success and their community's wellbeing.

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Papa’s Brittle

6541 Stadium Dr (269) 823-3030 Email Website

“A fast growing, award winning business. We have been dubbed as having "the best brittle this side of heaven." Papa is a 64-year-old family tradition that is become a favorite snack. We are

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Ryan Miersma

24475 Red Arrow Hwy (269) 415-4545 Email Website

“Ryan Miersma is the Founder and President of EZE, a Southwest Michigan company built around a simple idea: the hardest part of selling a home is often not the sale itself—it's everything surrounding

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Joshua Gray

315 West Michigan Ave. ROOM 35 (269) 718-7391 Email Website

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Alissa Walker at The House of Ember (claim listing)

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Kandis Ellis – Ellis Beauty Salon LLC

4484 Alpine Ave Nw Suite 13 (616) 291-6670 Email Website

“My name is Kandis, I started this business with my faith and the cash I had in my pocket to buying one thing at a time and slowly but surely that got where I’m at today! Have been an ambassador

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Rachel Plankenhorn

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Hand Me Down Rose

5462 Gull Rd Suite 8 (269) 381-8450 Email Website

“Hand Me Down Rose has proudly served Kalamazoo and surrounding area families since 1998. In 2020, Nicole and Jen took over with a shared passion for preserving a beloved local business and helping

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Holy Grounds Meeting Place

632 Locust St (989) 717-1853 Email Website

“ As the founder of Holy Grounds Meeting Place, my heart has always been to create more than just a coffee shop! We are actively creating a space where community, faith, and connection come

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Sean Hollins – RJ's Printing, LLC. (claim listing)

1001 2nd St (269) 383-9102 Website

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Shainna Smith, Kalamazoo photo booth

4266 Ravine Rd Email Website

“Hi, I'm Shainna, the owner of Kalamazoo Photo Booth! I'm passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, celebrating life's biggest moments, and bringing people together one photo at a time. When

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Janiya Washington (claim listing)

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Becky Bigelow - Absolute Homecare and Medical Staffing

8080 Moorsbridge Rd Suite 201 (269) 324-8080 Email Website

“Absolute Homecare and Medical Staffing provides in-home care to help individuals age in place, heal at home, and enjoy concierge services. Absolute Homecare is an active community partner and

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Veronica Dark

1405 Hardwick Avenue (609) 254-2506 Email Website

“Raised in New York City’s vibrant performing arts community, Veronica brings both artistry and lived experience to everything she teaches. Her dance career eventually led her to yoga, first as

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Mara Schrock

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Catherine Munie

6289 W Main St Suite 2

“Catherine is a young entrepreneur and the founder of Catherine Nails, a high-end salon redefining beauty standards and work culture in Kalamazoo. At just 25, Catherine has built not only a thriving

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Harvin S Sandhu (claim listing)

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Bella and Bloom Boutique, LLC

7093 S Westnedge Ave (269) 443-2224 Email Website

“Tori Van Nus is a wife, mother of three, and owner of Bella & Bloom Boutique. She created Bella & Bloom to be more than a place to shop; it’s a place where customers feel like family. With affordable

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Kim Guess

(269) 254-5542 Email Website

“ Kim Guess is a visionary entrepreneur, community leader, and economic catalyst whose innovative approach to entertainment, hospitality, and event management has transformed Southwest Michigan’s

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Parisian Dream Desserts

(269) 550-8533 Email Website

“Parisian Dream Desserts is a home-based bakery creating handcrafted desserts made with quality ingredients and a touch of creativity. From classic favorites to gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free

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Chad Jacob

“Hi, I am Chad Jacob and the start of my entrepreneurial career began with the opening of College Hunks in Kalamazoo. For the last four years, this business has been listed in the Kalamazoo INC 5000 as

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Paul VanNus Dutchboys Hotrods

820 W Prairie St (269) 532-0754 Email Website

“Paul Vannus is the owner and founder of Dutchboys Hotrods, a custom automotive company built around a passion for cars, craftsmanship, and pushing the limits of what’s possible. What started as a love

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Lauren Hybels

1901 Parkview Ave Suite 3 (269) 359-0905 Email Website

“Lauren Hybels is the owner of Arcane Beauty, an alternative beauty studio based in Kalamazoo. Established in 2022, Arcane Beauty provides bridal makeup, facials, brow shaping, and lash lifts.

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M2 McMillian Media | Video Production

5955 W Main St (269) 205-3897 Email Website

“When starting M2 McMillian Media, I was driven by a simple goal: to tell the stories of the remarkable people and organizations that make our community what it is, and create spaces where people could

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Hananiah Hardin – Blackmagic Media

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Fortunate Fourth Creations & Media

3426 W Main St 3426 W Main St (313) 354-1877 Email Website

“Erica Smith is the Founder and CEO of Fortunate Fourth Creations & Media, a Kalamazoo-based creative wellness company that is redefining how art can be used to strengthen individuals, organizations,

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Ashley Marie Curry (claim listing)

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The Puppy Playground

128 Van Bruggen St (269) 532-1005 Email Website

“The Puppy Playground is a Dog Daycare, Boarding Facility, and Training Oasis for your pup. We also have Grooming available on site with Get Fluffed Dog Grooming.

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Toni Kennedy

POB 290 (269) 598-6776 Email Website

“Veteran 1st empowers veterans and their families by providing equitable access to care, community resources, and advocacy. We address mental health, justice, housing, food security, and overall quality

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Jamie Brock – Coffee Rescue

7805 South Sprinkle Road (269) 598-9449 Email Website

“Coffee Rescue was established in 2012 and is proud to be Kalamazoo’s longest-running food truck. As a woman-owned small business, we have become a trusted part of the local community, serving

Entrepreneur of the Year

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a special thanks to our sponsors

Mark Nieuwenhuis (claim listing)

Alissa Walker at The House of Ember (claim listing)

Sean Hollins – RJ's Printing, LLC. (claim listing)

Janiya Washington (claim listing)

Harvin S Sandhu (claim listing)

Ashley Marie Curry (claim listing)