Traverse City, Michigan

About Traverse City

Traverse City is a Great Lakes beach town with a charming main street surrounded by rolling hills, dotted with orchards and farm stands, and criss-crossed by hiking and biking trails. You’ll find great schools, a family-friend community, and a nature-loving lifestyle.

Community partner: 20Fathoms

Community leaders in Traverse City were concerned that the local economy was becoming increasingly reliant on seasonal tourism and the service sector, so 20Fathoms was founded in 2018 on two interlocking goals: To provide a home for the region’s entrepreneur and tech professionals and to help strengthen Traverse City’s economy and quality of life.

By nurturing and elevating Traverse City’s tech and startup community, 20Fathoms is enhancing a sector of the economy that creates high-paying, family-sustaining jobs for professionals looking to enjoy a small-town, nature-focused lifestyle while still growing in their career and business.

20Fathoms is now the nexus of northwest Michigan’s tech community. It’s cultivating a thriving and connected startup ecosystem, with members including the region’s entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, tech professionals, creatives, and other innovators. The organization provides services that position these members to thrive and grow their businesses. In its supportive community with an eye for cultivating innovation and ideas, 20Fathoms positions its members to thrive and grow their businesses.

These efforts include a startup incubator that links innovative companies with resources, funding, and expertise; a versatile and vibrant coworking space along with private offices; the HealthSpark Accelerator to commercialize digital health startups; and advanced educational programming that creates a strong business foundation locally.