Top insights for driven-minds

The Birth of an Entrepreneurial Community

Ten years ago, in post-bankruptcy Detroit, Amanda Lewan and her partners recognized this need and took action. With just $5,000 borrowed from a partner's father, they launched Bamboo – a co-working space that would eventually become a central force in Michigan's startup ecosystem.

"We wanted a place where we could all go to build and work on company ideas," Amanda explains. "There wasn't a co-working space in downtown Detroit yet. So we literally borrowed $5,000... got IKEA furniture and paint."

The beginnings were humble – a loft-style space above a bail bond office with no sign, jokingly referred to as a "speakeasy" by her team. But the vision was clear: create an inclusive, accessible environment for entrepreneurs, creatives, and growing companies.

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Beyond Physical Space: Creating Density

What makes Bamboo different from typical co-working spaces is its deliberate focus on community development. As Amanda puts it, "It's really hard to explain the value of a dense ecosystem, but that's when you bump into someone and you find out you're one connection away from that first investor or that co-founder."

This density creates opportunities that isolated remote work simply cannot provide:

• Serendipitous connections with potential investors
• Access to strategic partners
• Peer support and feedback
• A sense of belonging and shared purpose

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Expanding Across Michigan

Today, Bamboo has grown beyond its original location to include spaces in Detroit, Royal Oak, Ann Arbor, and most recently, Grand Rapids. Each location maintains the core mission while adapting to the unique culture of its city.

"We picked cities in Michigan that we knew had a lot of tech innovation and creatives," Amanda shares. "Being a local first mover, you know the community best. You know how to serve it."

The newest Grand Rapids location represents a significant milestone – a 40,000 square foot space with a 200-person movie theater, 4,000 square foot rooftop, and gallery space that will serve as a hub for West Michigan's growing tech ecosystem.

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Community-Driven Growth

Perhaps the most powerful lesson from Bamboo's success is how they've leveraged community involvement in their growth strategy. For each new location, they form a committee of 10-12 ecosystem leaders who provide critical feedback and help shape the space.

"The ultimate entrepreneurship hack is if you want to bring your vision to life, let your customers build it with and for you," Amanda notes.

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The Future of Entrepreneurial Communities

As we navigate the post-pandemic business landscape, spaces like Bamboo remind us of the irreplaceable value of in-person connection. While remote work offers flexibility, it cannot replicate the energy, opportunity, and support that comes from being physically present in a community of peers.

For founders and CEOs looking to grow their businesses, the lesson is clear: don't underestimate the power of community. Whether you're seeking investors, partners, or simply the motivation that comes from surrounding yourself with other ambitious individuals, finding your entrepreneurial community might be the most important step in your journey.

As one founder puts it: "Find people who complement you and who you can bring value to and they can bring value to you. Don't let ego get in the way of what you can accomplish."