The Office of Possibilities (OOPs) is a free weekly gathering where entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, artists, freelancers, students, and community builders come together to ask questions, solve challenges, share opportunities, and support one another.

Rather than following a fixed curriculum, each meeting is shaped by the people in the room and the challenges they're currently facing.

This group is Northern Michigan’s front porch for inclusive entrepreneurship!

OOPs is designed for anyone working to build something meaningful.

Participants include:

• Entrepreneurs

• Small business owners

• Startup founders

• Freelancers

• Artists

• Nonprofit leaders

• Students

• Community organizers

• People exploring a new idea

• Professionals looking to connect with Northern Michigan's innovation community

You do not need to already own a business

Every meeting is different, but most include:

• Introductions

• Sharing wins and challenges

• Requests for help

• Peer problem-solving

• Resource sharing

• Connections between participants

• Community announcements

Participants decide where the conversation goes.

Not in the traditional sense.

While participants make valuable professional connections, OOPs is designed as a peer-support community rather than a networking event.

The emphasis is on generosity, collaboration, and solving real problems together.

Nope!

OOPs is free to attend thanks to Grove Community Incubator and community partners.

Registration is encouraged so organizers know who to expect and can communicate updates, but walk-ins are welcome whenever space allows.

Absolutely. Many people visit once. Others attend weekly.

There is no expectation that you attend every meeting.

OOPs meets every Tuesday morning, from 9-11am (including holidays!) throughout the year.

Because the conversations are participant-driven, every gathering is unique.

Almost anything related to building a business, organization, creative practice, or community initiative.

Examples include:

• Marketing

• Hiring

• Funding

• Pricing

• Partnerships

• Product development

• Customer discovery

• Business strategy

• Technology

• Leadership

• Work-life balance

If someone in the room doesn't know the answer, they often know someone who does.

OOPs isn't built around speakers or presentations.

Instead, participants help one another navigate real-world challenges through conversation, shared experience, and trusted relationships.

The goal is to create a community where people feel comfortable asking for help as well as offering it.

Definitely not!

Participants range from people with an idea on a napkin to founders running established companies.

Nonprofits, artists, and civic innovators also regularly participate.

The Office of Possibilities was originally developed through a collaboration with Northwestern Michigan College and Grove Community Incubator. Today, Grove Community Incubator continues to host the weekly Tuesday morning gatherings while maintaining a strong collaborative relationship with NMC.

OOPs meets in Traverse City, Michigan, generally in the 3rd floor community room at West Shore Bank. (Thanks for hosting us!)

However, the specific location may occasionally change, so participants should check the event registration page or Grove's website for the most current information.

Expect a welcoming group of people who genuinely want to help.

Most first-time participants introduce themselves, share what they're working on, and describe one challenge or opportunity they'd like feedback on.

There is no pressure to speak beyond what you're comfortable sharing.

Absolutely!

Many participants first discover OOPs because someone invited them.

If you know someone building a business, organization, creative practice, or community project, they're welcome to join.

Grove Community Incubator is a nonprofit entrepreneurship hub in Traverse City, Michigan, that connects entrepreneurs, organizers, artists, and community leaders with the relationships, workspace, and resources they need to flourish.

The Office of Possibilities is one of Grove's flagship community programs.

Yes! Grove Community Incubator's Office of Possibilities (OOPs) is one of Northern Michigan's longest-running weekly entrepreneur gatherings. It welcomes entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, artists, students, and innovators from across the region to connect, solve challenges, and support one another.

The Office of Possibilities (OOPs) meets every Tuesday morning in Traverse City and provides an open, welcoming environment where entrepreneurs and community builders can develop relationships, exchange ideas, and receive practical support from peers.

Traverse City has a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem that includes organizations such as Grove Community Incubator, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Northwestern Michigan College, 20Fathoms, Traverse Connect, Venture North Funding & Development, and other regional partners. OOPs serves as a front door to this ecosystem by helping participants discover the resources, organizations, and people that can support their next steps.