Starting Gate, WMU's business accelerator program, is the driving force behind merging WMU Entrepreneurship with regional and local economic development efforts. Students participate in workshops led by community leaders on topics ranging from marketing to patent law, and everything in between. The southwest Michigan Small Business Development Center, located within the Haworth College of Business, also provides small business assistance for companies within the program. Students are also encouraged to participate in and attend community events focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, such as Pitch Zoo, Startup Zoo, and Startup Grind.
<span style="font-size: 9pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Floyd Hall, the main hub of WMU's engineering campus resides within<span class="apple-converted-space">the </span>'''the Business Technology and Research Park'''; a high -tech business development developement space home . Home to companies spanning industries from life sciences to advanced engineering and information technology. The , the BTR Park is currently is looking to expand to into the land adjacent adjecent to the Parkview Campus, where they hope to add more engineering and technology related business. The Businesses businesses that currently reside on in the BTR Park not only have the opportunity to interact with staff , but with the studentsalso, as many of the companies come each year for to the '''Engineering Expo''' an annual gathering of surrounding engineering companies who inform students about their companies and the opportunities opportunites they hold.</span>