Northern Michigan Startup Week Returns to Traverse City

Annual event aims to spotlight region's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:36pm

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A vibrant, minimalist 3D illustration depicting a stylized startup office environment with geometric shapes and objects representing collaborative workspaces and meeting areas, conveying the energy and innovation of the Northern Michigan entrepreneurial community.Northern Michigan's startup ecosystem takes center stage at the annual Traverse City event.Traverse City Today

Northern Michigan Startup Week, an annual event highlighting the region's startup community, is returning to Traverse City from April 20-24. The multi-day gathering will feature an innovation challenge, funding guidance, expert panels, and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

Why it matters

As a hub for startups and innovation in Northern Michigan, the Traverse City region has seen a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in recent years. Startup Week provides a platform to showcase this activity, connect founders, and foster new business development in the area.

The details

Northern Michigan Startup Week was founded in 2013 by local entrepreneur Bradley Matson to bring together the region's startup community. The event has expanded from a weekend gathering to a five-day program featuring dozens of development and networking events. This year's agenda includes an innovation challenge, panels with industry experts, and sessions on topics like fundraising for startups.

  • Northern Michigan Startup Week will take place from April 20-24, 2026.
  • The event was first launched in 2013.

The players

Bradley Matson

A Northern Michigan native who founded Northern Michigan Startup Week in 2013.

Northwestern Michigan College

A supporter of Northern Michigan Startup Week.

MSU Research Foundation

A supporter of Northern Michigan Startup Week.

20 Fathoms

A venture capital firm that is a supporter of Northern Michigan Startup Week.

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What they’re saying

“We really wanted a kind of event up here in Northern Michigan to both highlight what's going on in the startup community here, and to bring people together to kind of discuss new ideas and make connections.”

— Bradley Matson, Founder, Northern Michigan Startup Week

What’s next

The full schedule of events and registration details for Northern Michigan Startup Week will be announced in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Northern Michigan Startup Week has become an important annual event for the region's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing a platform to showcase local innovation, facilitate connections, and support new business development.