Velocity opened in Sterling Heights in 2011 and did a relaunch in 2022. Although it began as a way to help technology startups, it has developed into something much larger. Last year, it brought $19.2M n investments to Macomb County businesses. Now, its focus is to continue to help Macomb County residents and businesses located in Macomb County make their businesses succeed.
We spoke with Paula MacPherson, Executive Director of Velocity, about all the great features it offers to local entrepreneurs or those aspiring to be. This entrepreneur space is an incubator and accelerator that helps companies start and thrive.
What Velocity offers
“We not only offer monthly networking events, co-working space, meeting space, private office suites and event space rentals,” says MacPherson. “We also provide critical tools and education to help local businesses scale and grow.”
A couple of the monthly networking events are Founders First Friday and Coffee and Conversation, which both take place at Velocity.
“We partnered with the Michigan Founders Fund for Founders First Friday,” she says. “It takes place the first Friday of every month and is for business owners to be able to network with other business owners in Macomb County.”
For Coffee and Conversation, there is always a specific topic that is discussed by an expert in that particular field.
“Next month, we will be doing a Canva training with Lumifi Digiital,” explains MacPherson. “Also, our Momentum & Incub-8 programs are specially designed to help startups and entrepreneurs start and grow their business.”
Whether you’re new to the business world or just getting started, Velocity offers something for everyone. And, unlike other incubators, Velocity offers value to the growing group of mom-entrepreneurs, or “mompreneurs,” who are making strides in the workforce in new and unique ways.
“Our Business Builder Bootcamp is for women and they must be a Macomb County resident or have their business in Macomb County,” says MacPherson. “The coaching at this program helps you understand where you are in your business journey and determine what you biggest challenge is.”
This six week program is designed to provide the fundamentals of planning and launching your business idea.
Each week will present a different topic.
“Applications for the Business Builder Bootcamp are now open,” she says. She explains that this bootcamp is specifically for women building their businesses, but there are also other opportunities available for different types of businesses.
Why it’s great for parents
“Entrepreneurship can be family-friendly because it’s flexible and you don’t have to be tied to an office or a 9-5 schedule,” says MacPherson. “Business ideas seem to come in this new phase of life (parenthood) and often solves problems they’ve run into as parents.”
If you are a parent and have a business idea you would like to bring into fruition, sign up for the Velocity’s programming as soon as possible because they do fill up fast.
“It’s also important to note that all of the services we offer are 100% grant funded, so we never charge entrepreneurs that we work with,” she says. “They also will receive future coaching from us if they have a question or problem arise after they have worked with us – we’re always here for them.”
Velocity prides itself in being an affordable co-working space.
“Co-working at Velocity is super inexpensive and only $100 per month,” says MacPherson. “This gets you a mailbox, drop in co-working 24/7 with key card access, coffee, tea, snacks, free printing and access to meeting rooms.”
She explains that new business owners will find these perks particularly helpful, especially the ability to reserve a professional meeting space, which can be crucial for making a positive impression and conducting business efficiently.
“We’ve also been doing the Velocity Roadshow,” she says. “The Roadshow brings our expertise and events to areas that are farther away from our space in Macomb County – such as Roseville, Eastpointe and Warren.”
Another reason it may be good for parents to check out Velocity if they’re thinking about starting a business may be the networking events. Not only will they meet like-minded individuals, but they will be able to put their thoughts into realities.
“Make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media so you don’t miss out on those opportunities,” says MacPherson. “Also, be sure to check out our networking events.”
The events right now are all free, but you must register to attend. A couple interesting events she highlighted were Founders First Friday on April 4, Coffee and Conversation on April 29 and the 3×3 Pitch Competition on May 15.
For more information on living and learning in Macomb County, visit Make Macomb Your Home. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s A Family Guide to Macomb County.
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