Entrepreneurship

GRABB grants help area Black businesses navigate COVID-19

The GRABB Relief and Resilience Fund is specifically for Black entrepreneurs and business owners impacted by COVID-19’s on-going business interruptions and limitations. The grants support for-profit businesses that were unable to access adequate funding through the COVID-19.

Latest in Entrepreneurship
A new agreement will give GRCC students a seamless transfer to a Ferris State bachelor’s degree in music and entertainment business.
New music business program lets GRCC students enter Ferris as seniors to complete BA

Under the agreement, students could earn an associate degree in pre-music and entertainment in three years at Grand Rapids Community College, then transfer to Ferris State University for one year to complete a bachelor’s degree in music and entertainment business.

Jessa Challa is a software engineer and principal community liaison at the Grand Rapids software firm Mallowfields.
IT industry issues call for those with Tech Talent to create gender-diverse workforce

Job seekers and IT professionals are invited to attend IT’s Happening West Michigan. The free virtual networking event on March 25 also offers an opportunity for women to meet with local employers and, perhaps, help close the gender gap in the industry. 

How a strong foundation, entrepreneurial spirit and faith help a local business owner succeed

Born and raised in West Michigan, Jodi van Haren brings a unique perspective to the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. Owner of Advantage Mechanical Refrigeration, van Haren is also a member of the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi — the Sault Ste. Marie tribe of the Chippewa Indians, a wife, a mother, grandmother and an active community member. As she reflects on 20 years in business, she shares more about her background and lessons learned along the way.

A difficult recovery propelled Jon Ornee toward pursuit of a meaningful life.
Jon Ornée pursues his curiosity through record-setting adventures

Struck by a car while bicycling, Jon Ornée endured a difficult recovery. The self-styled “lifestyle designer” says the accident fueled his pursuit of a meaningful life.

Holland’s Cubi Market prioritizes local businesses by offering a way to safely shop locally online.
Startup puts personalized products within shoppers’ grasp

Holland’s Cubi Market prioritizes local markets. It offers residents a way to safely shop locally online, ensuring more of the money they spend stays in the community.

Tom Cizauskas (Gerald R Ford Airport), Jeffrey and Sana Perry (Perry's Quality Exteriors LLC), Kevin Holman (One Legacy Heating and Cooling)
Taking action to address challenges of underrepresented construction industry businesses

The Builders Exchange of Michigan, through its Construction Allies in Action initiative, is launching the Strong Foundations Program. This Program seeks to provide underrepresented businesses with the tools, connections and support needed to grow and sustain their organizations.

Juan (cacao and coffee farmer), Chad Morton and Efren Madriaga
Published Together: The heart opening journey of a superfood in our backyard

Local entrepreneur and product developer, Chad Morton, shares what he is working on, how he arrived at this point, and lessons he’s learned along the way related to the current state of the world we live in.

A GRCC student works in a manufacturing pneumatics class.
$9.8M federal grant to fund skills training for workers

GRCC and West Michigan Works! will lead a coalition focused on helping the unemployed and underemployed gain the skills needed for in-demand manufacturing fields.

Zeeland's Strength and Main ad campaign asks customers to pull together for downtown businesses
Downtown Zeeland looks for hope at the corner of Strength and Main

Zeeland's new Strength and Main ad campaign asks customers to pull together for their downtown storefronts and restaurants. Those who participate in the 10-day social media portion have a chance to win prizes.

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