Projects & Programs

FFE is proud to support projects that empower people and invest in the places and infrastructure Kalamazoo needs to be successful. Below are just some of these projects and programs that benefit housing, small businesses, youth development, education, and employment in Kalamazoo.

All Things Possible

ATP is an exploration and discovery program that helps youth transition to high school. Students who complete ATP can earn free driver's training after completing their freshman year.

Black Entrepreneur Training Academy (BETA)

BETA is a five-month cohort-based virtual training program to equip, support, and resource Black entrepreneurs. After the program, participants have the chance to pitch for capital of up to $5,500. BETA receives funding from the City of Kalamazoo through the Foundation for Excellence.

Core 60

Core 60 is a 10 week construction business accelerator program that helps BIPOC and women-owned companies get licensed, earn while they learn, and position their business to scale. The program is funded by the Foundation for Excellence.

Downtown Ambassadors

Downtown Ambassadors are on the streets seven days a week to ensure that Downtown Kalamazoo is a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for visitors, residents, employees, and investors.

Kalamazoo Attainable Homes Partnership

The KAHP provides high-quality homes built by HBA members that are both attainable in cost and provide homeowners with low maintenance costs.

Kalamazoo Micro-Enterprise Grants

KMEG provide $5,000 grants to eligible microbusinesses with the city limits. The program is designed to support businesses that may not be able to access traditional funding sources because of their scale.

Kalamazoo Small Business Loan Fund

The Small Business Loan Fund provides low interest loans to small businesses in the city through a partnership with the United Way and funding from the Foundation for Excellence.

MyCITY Youth Employment

MyCITY is a seasonal youth employment program that serves as the gateway to paid internship and work experience.

Office Hours at Can-Do Kalamazoo

The City of Kalamazoo is proud to support Can-Do Kalamazoo, which offers support to entrepreneurs, including access to a commercial kitchen, educational workshops, business planning, and mentorship. Members of our team also have office hours there to help business owners!