The $10 Million Vision: How a Bold Idea in Grand Rapids Sparked a Venture Capital Movement
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The $10 Million Vision: How a Bold Idea in Grand Rapids Sparked a Venture Capital Movement
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What began as a conversation over lunch between two longtime community leaders quickly evolved into a bold mission: creating generational wealth and investment opportunities for entrepreneurs of color through a dedicated venture capital fund based in Grand Rapids.
In this candid and personal discussion, Klohs and Welch reflect on the moment they realized that years of conversations around equity and inclusion needed to turn into action — and why access to capital was the missing piece.
Their conversation shares the behind-the-scenes story of how New Community Transformation Fund was built from the ground up — from writing the original business plan and securing startup funding, to overcoming skepticism surrounding the idea of venture capital investments focused on entrepreneurs of color.
The episode explores the challenges they faced, the relationships they leveraged, and the surprising momentum that followed once major organizations and business leaders began backing the vision.
The conversation also highlights the power of community partnerships and leadership support from organizations, including Bank of America, Consumers Energy, Corewell Health, Gentex Corporation, and Michigan Capital Network — all of which helped transform an ambitious concept into a multi-million-dollar investment fund with long-term impact.
Throughout the episode, Klohs and Welch emphasize that the fund was never designed as a charity or grant program.
Instead, the goal was to invest in scalable businesses, strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, and create sustainable economic opportunity through strategic venture capital investments.
They also discuss the importance of mentorship, business networks, and ecosystem-building for founders who may not traditionally have access to those resources.
This first episode sets the stage for the rest of the Capital for Change series, introducing listeners to the people, partnerships, and pivotal moments that helped launch a new model for inclusive economic development in West Michigan and beyond.
Future episodes will feature funders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders whose stories continue to shape the growing impact of New Community Transformation Fund.
Learn more at New Community Transformation Fund
Looking for insight on startups, entrepreneurship, venture capital, and economic development in Michigan?
“Capital for Change” features business leaders Birgit Klohs and Skot Welch, joined by host Phil Tower, exploring how innovative ideas become successful companies.
Perfect for listeners interested in business growth, startup ecosystems, small business success, and inclusive innovation.
Listen on the iHeartRadio app and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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