Helping small businesses grow.

Success Stories

Bogan Developments

When Jamauri Bogan started Bogan Developments LLC in March 2020, it was fairly important to do it right…the importance of the project couldn’t be overlooked—“affordable housing for all.”

Bogan Developments is a newly formed real estate development company focused on creating affordable housing for all. Jamauri’s  real estate journey started in 2018 with several successful builds in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo and he continues that dedication citing a “deep passion for community service and housing.” His work creating affordable housing combines both passions.

At a (relatively) young 23 years of age, Jamauri realized that starting his dream business required more knowledge than he had at his fingertips – and support from others. “I found out there was so much I did not know,” he said, “but once I realized SCORE provides mentors that are seasoned business professionals in my area of focus – I was ALL in!”

Thus, Bogan Developments successfully launched.

Jamauri worked with SCORE Certified Mentor Scott Carter who advised him on business development, mentorship, and on making connections throughout the greater Kalamazoo area. According to Carter, “Jamari is a go getter, we provided entrance to names of support organizations and he went after it.  He now sends clients to us. Bogan who attended Western Michigan University where he played as a running back on the WMU Bronco Football team, finished his college career ranked sixth all-time in program history in career rushing yards with 3,327 and tied for sixth all-time in career points with 258.

Jamauri recently learned he has been awarded a $500,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant by the EGLE Brownfield Assessment and Redevelopment Section who vetted the project proposal for the 315 Frank Street Live Work project.

When asked what he would tell others who are driven to start their own businesses, Jamauri had three tips:

  1. Believe you can do ANYTHING!
  2. Be flexible – Your plan today will look different tomorrow.
  3. DON’T QUIT EVER!
Jamauri Bogan

Sponsored by the City of South Haven, South Haven Chamber of Commerce, and Lake Michigan College.

Congratulations to Gregory Shelton of Grand Unique Laundry for receiving his first loan through Northern Initiatives. With help from his SCORE mentor, Cheri Bales, Gregory did a fantastic job on developing his business plan and showing real entrepreneurial spirit. We wish you much success, and look forward to your upward movement. You are a wonderful role model.

—Gregory Shelton of Grand Unique Laundry

I appreciate your ears for listening, your eyes that see my vision and your heart that makes you who you are.  I thank you for your time. You are making a difference.

—Shawntel Lindsey, Director, The Artbor Community Connections Center

The WMed Innovation Center is a perfect environment for innovation to grow and become a successful commercial enterprise.

—Client

WMU Business Connection logo

Whether you are seeking a research partner or want to enlist the help of student groups in developing business plans, or just looking for ways to engage with WMU, the Business Connection office can find the resource to help move your business forward.

—Mentor

A loan (from Local Initiatives Support Corporation) helped expand our cafe to triple our seating, add a kids space, increase much needed staff work areas, and make other improvements to the space.

—Krystal

MEL logo

The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) is the State of Michigan’s digital library. It has excellent resources available to Michigan residents at no cost.

—Owner

Western Michigan University’s Starting Gate helped me take an idea and transform it into a much more attainable reality. Whether providing talks with investors and business owners or accountability, the ultimate goal is helping your business succeed.

—Peter Shutt

Kalamazoo County Land Bank logo

The Kalamazoo Land Bank did robust community engagement around the vision and gave us something to work with that was solidly desired by people in the neighborhood. Having a vision meant we had to protect it. That’s something I thank the Land Bank for. It was difficult. It didn’t make anything faster or easier, but we got a better project in the end as a result of it.

—Matt Hollander

Buy Local logo

Buy Local Greater Kalamazoo is a hard working grassroots group focused on the greater Kalamazoo community and its small businesses. Their events and networking opportunities are the best!

—Cheri Bales

SBDC logo

Michigan SBDC is a great company providing top notch service to local businesses all over Michigan. The consultants are professional and the student workers contribute with excellent work!

—Martin Herman Sorensen

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