Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), a position held by an experienced entrepreneur and a leader who is willing and able to mold young students into thriving, motivated business owners. Today college graduates leave their respective universities and enter a world of 16.7% unemployment, roughly 8% higher than the national average. Self-starters are needed more today than ever before.

The Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) at Grand Valley State University views the position of Entrepreneur in Residence as a pivotal educational tool for their students.

A part of GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, CEI focuses on supporting entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs in Residence will aid the center as it reviews business plans and coaches entrepreneurs, as well as help build its programming. With the help of residents the CEI can turn the the center into the primary location where entrepreneurs can find answers and receive direction and guidance at the university level.

Zachary Skogheim

Current Entrepreneur in Residence 

Zach has been an entrepreneur for the 8 years and has worked on a wide variety of businesses, including tech, apparel, and fitness.  A CEO club alumni and current gym owner of TLD Fitness (The Loading Dock Gym) in downtown Grand Rapids, Zach loves solving problems and deciphering next steps for people on their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re looking for venture capital or want to make money from your business tomorrow, Zach is here to help!