Changing Lanes

Program Update (September 2025): After a highly successful pilot program, we are currently working to expand our reach and impact. We are calling upon professional ecosystem builders, workforce development leaders, startup support organizations and other stakeholders to join the conversation and help shape a more connected and resilient future for Michigan’s startup ecosystem.

Bridging the Startup and Talent Ecosystems in Michigan

Launched in collaboration with the MEDC, Changing Lanes was launched in January 2025 to empower professionals navigating career transitions while accelerating the growth of Michigan’s startup ecosystem. At its core, the program strengthens both the white-collar workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering strategic talent development, founder-focused support and shared resources that drive collective growth.

Our mission:

Increase the number of startup founders in Michigan.
Create successful pathways for corporate talent to transition into startup roles.

Supporting Corporate-to-Startup Transitions

As part of our mission, we aimed to guide corporate professionals from being “startup unaware” or skeptical to becoming “startup curious” and empowered to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

How We Did It

Storytelling as a Catalyst for Exploration:
We showcased the journeys of successful startup founders who made the leap to provide aspiring founders and professionals with an authentic glimpse into the startup world. These real-life stories made the unfamiliar feel achievable, transforming abstract ideas into tangible possibilities.
Building a Pathway:

Through curated programs and events, we supported individuals in exploring startups as a viable career pathway. By creating approachable entry points into Michigan’s dynamic startup ecosystem, we helped foster the confidence needed to take the leap.

Empowering Founders: Fueling the Startup Ecosystem

Changing Lanes hosted a series of informal fireside chats featuring inspiring founders, in collaboration with SmartZone partners across Michigan. These sessions were designed to build community by fostering meaningful connections and sharing real-world entrepreneurial experiences. Whether attendees were exploring the idea of launching a startup, actively scaling a business, or simply curious about the startup world, the series provided an inviting space to learn, grow, and connect.

Founder Q&A: Attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand stories from successful founders who had made the leap from a corporate career about their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges they overcame, and key lessons learned. Each session included an interactive Q&A, allowing guests to get their burning questions answered.
Networking Opportunities:The events brought together like-minded individuals from local communities, fostering meaningful connections among those passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship.
Local Resources: Participants also learned about the tools, programs, and support available through nearby —valuable resources for those looking to start or grow a business.

Purpose and Impact

The series was designed to lower barriers to entrepreneurial learning by offering a casual, engaging environment where aspiring entrepreneurs and community members could gain practical insights and inspiration. By hosting the chats across various SmartZones in Michigan, the initiative highlighted the strength and accessibility of the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Exploring Entrepreneurship: Vision to Venture Workshops

Have you ever encountered a problem at work and thought, “Someone should create a solution for this”? What if that someone is you? The Changing Lanes Vision to Venture Workshop was designed to help aspiring founders take the first steps toward transforming workplace insights into viable startup ideas. In this collaborative session, participants had the opportunity to:

Refine Your Idea: Working in groups, attendees explored the value propositions of their concepts and identified potential customers.
Build a Strong Foundation: Participants gained a clearer understanding of your opportunies to how to naviagate Michigan's startup support ecosystem.

Why It Mattered

This session was ideal for early-stage founders looking to validate their ideas and connect with the resources, tools, and guidance needed to bring their visions to life. It empowered professionals to view workplace challenges as entrepreneurial opportunities — and gave them a starting point to turn those opportunities into success.

From Corporate to Startup - A Guided Path Forward

Momentum: Career Transition Program

Momentum was created to guide experienced professionals ready to leverage their corporate skills to help startups thrive. This thoughtfully curated program guided participants through a smooth, strategic transition into Michigan’s dynamic startup ecosystem. With a focus on real-world learning and personal growth, Momentum provided the tools, insights, and hands-on experience needed to navigate a career shift with confidence.

Program Highlights

Over the course of three months (February–May 2025), participants engaged in a comprehensive experience that included:

10 Days of In-Person Workshops: Weekly sessions focused on career strategy, immersive workshops, networking, resume development, and interview preparation.
Individualized Career Transition Action Plan: Each participant developed a tailored roadmap to align their expertise with opportunities in high-growth sectors.
Real-World Experience: Resume reviews, mock interviews, and an 80-hour internship with a startup gave participants direct exposure to startup operations and culture.
Career Coaching & Peer Networking: Small-group discussions fostered connection, support, and shared learning among like-minded professionals.
Personalized Mentoring:One-on-one guidance helped accelerate each participant’s professional development.
Inspirational Guest Speakers: Industry leaders and innovators shared their journeys, offering fresh perspectives and sparking new ideas.

Program Impact

Momentum served as more than just a training initiative—it became a bridge for professionals seeking purpose-driven, innovation-focused careers outside the traditional corporate path.

Professional Practicum Through Momentum: A Bridge Between Startups and Talent

As part of the Momentum Career Transition Program, founders and startup teams had the opportunity to host two-week professional practicums with experienced professionals transitioning from corporate careers.

Participants were matched with startups for short-term, no-cost consulting engagements aligned with each startup’s specific project needs. Founders simply submitted a proposal outlining the scope of work, and the Momentum team facilitated the rest.

At the end of each practicum, startups had the option to extend the collaboration—through ongoing consulting or even employment opportunities—based on mutual interest and alignment.

The practicum experience offered real-world value to startups and hands-on exposure for participants, making it a win-win for both sides of Michigan’s innovation ecosystem.

Giving Back: Building Momentum through Volunteer Support

During the program, a passionate group of volunteers stepped up to support participants as they navigated their career transitions into the startup world. Whether they were already working in startups or looking for ways to give back, these volunteers played a vital role in the success of the program. Volunteers contributed in meaningful ways, including:

Conducting mock job interviews
Providing resume reviews and strategic feedback
Serving as mentors to individual participants
Sharing insights about working in startups and navigating transitions.

In addition, Momentum partnered with local SmartZones, where volunteers helped mentor early-stage startups, further enriching Michigan’s entrepreneurial landscape. Thanks to this collective effort, Momentum participants were able to gain confidence, build skills, and expand their networks—while volunteers made a tangible impact on the future of innovation in the state.