Fall 2025 SmartStart Class Wraps Up Another Successful Session
MTEC’s SmartStart program, led by VP of Business Development Jason Mack, has officially concluded another session. With this session complete, MTEC SmartZone was able to celebrate another season full of fresh ideas.
The SmartStart program is designed for anyone with a business concept and the drive to bring it to life. The six-week course guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the process of shaping, validating, and building an actionable framework to turn their idea into a viable business.
“SmartStart is one of my favorite programs because you can truly see ideas evolve in real time,” said Jason Mack. “Watching participants gain clarity and build confidence in their ideas is incredibly rewarding.”
“SmartStart is one of my favorite programs because you can truly see ideas evolve in real time. Watching participants gain clarity and build confidence in their ideas is incredibly rewarding.”
Throughout the course, participants learned how to:
- Strengthen their business concept
- Refine a business value proposition
- Assess the feasibility of his business idea
- Improve collaboration skills with like-minded entrepreneurs
- Conduct effective market research
- Enhanced clarity through mentorship and group discussion
- Built confidence through a fulfilling and engaging program
Each session is built upon the last, and by the end of the program, participants create fully developed pitch decks. These decks can be used to bring their innovations to market, attract investors, or continue to refine their concepts.
Best of all, SmartStart is a completely free opportunity, allowing local entrepreneurs to have access to coaching, mentoring, and resources from MTEC SmartZone’s extensive network of business experts in marketing, finance, legal, and research fields.
The Fall 2025 cohort featured an impressive lineup of innovators, including:
- Nathaniel Vogler, Edaptx Marketing
- JP Harrison, Northern Void, LLC
- Justin LaCosse, Linnuntie Engineering, LLC (linnuntie.com)
- Bonnie Roth, Solo No More
- Matthew Compher
“Going through the SmartStart class helped me refine my entrepreneurial vision, by teaching me how to assess the feasibility of my idea, do market research, and push me to do more customer discovery than I would’ve on my own. All of which is going to help guide me in the right direction moving forward.”
– Matthew Compher
The session concluded with each participant presenting their final pitch—an inspiring display of passion and dedication to their projects.
As the program prepares for its next cohort, SmartStart remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs across the Keweenaw and beyond. Whether you’re refining a technology concept or exploring your first business idea, SmartStart provides the foundation, support, and connections to help turn ideas into impact.