Coverage from Crain’s Grand Rapids, published 2026-03-10.
Kalamazoo Forward Ventures has launched Tsunami Lab, a training program intended to prepare a new generation of owners to buy local companies from retiring proprietors, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business reported March 10, 2026. Built in partnership with Kalamazoo Valley Community College, the program plans a cohort of no more than 15 participants meeting weekly over 14 weeks, and will also recruit owners preparing to sell so graduates can acquire and run their businesses, with the investment firm taking a minority stake. Marcel Fable Price, director of platform and programming, said accelerators exist for startups but the region has not adequately prepared the next wave of owners and operators for the so-called Silver Tsunami.
Dwayne Powell Jr., who leads operations and KZFV’s Main Street arm, said 37 applications had arrived as of March 9, from applicants aged 20 to 53, with 90 percent people of color and women. Crain’s reported that investors had committed $50 million to the firm.
Applications close March 19, with sessions beginning in mid-April. Partners include A:Lab in Holland and Can-Do Kalamazoo.
