SMALL BUSINESS & STARTUPS

Start Garden, Michigan SBDC, GROW and more

ARTICLES

Alexis Dishman

Microlender to distribute more than $2M in state, federal funds to small business owners

About 100 small business owners will receive some needed assistance from an organization that champions small businesses. Michigan Women Forward, one of Michigan’s largest microlenders,...
Our Next Energy office

Michigan venture capital investment activity falls 25% in first quarter

Venture capital investing declined in Michigan in the first quarter, following along with a steep drop-off in deal flow nationally. Michigan recorded 39 venture capital...
Lisa Jilek

Tech CEO sees Grand Rapids growth as an ‘investment in our roots’

Digital and I.T. consulting firm Open Systems Technologies Inc. (OST) has selected interim president and CEO Lisa Jilek to head the company on a...
Silicon Valley Bank

This banking crisis is nothing like 2009. Small businesses are contingency planning anyway.

It’s a painful memory: In 2009 the banking crisis and housing recession led to a credit crunch, and business owners suddenly couldn’t access the...
Farmish app.

Founder expands Farmish, an Etsy-like app for farmers, gardeners and buyers

GRAND RAPIDS — When Terra Osman launched Farmish to help hobby gardeners connect with customers, she hardly imagined having almost 200,000 users and launching...
Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s office.

In 6 months, GR Chamber program builds ties, belonging for minority-owned biz

When Laura Hopson moved her industrial supply business from Lansing to Grand Rapids in 2020, she had an “intentional strategy” to connect with the...
Scene from a clothing store

Michigan retailers report consumer spending growth to start 2023

Michigan’s retail sector is trending upwards, a positive sign for the year ahead as Michigan pulls out of the winter doldrums. The Michigan Retailers Association...
Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon and her father, Walt Gutowksi Jr.

Grand Rapids mainstay Swift Printing transitions to third-generation leadership

GRAND RAPIDS — Swift Printing Co., a mainstay along Bridge Street on Grand Rapids’ west side for seven decades, has transitioned to a third generation...
Atlas Heavy Engine Co., doing business as Worldwide Diesel, has filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Southwest Michigan diesel engine remanufacturer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

NILES — A Southwest Michigan retailer and machine shop specializing in refurbished diesel engines has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy less than two years...
Denise Booms-Pepin, president and CEO of CBI Telecommunications Inc.

Grand Rapids telecom consultant merges with international software developer

A Grand Rapids-based, woman-owned telecommunications consulting firm has merged with an international software developer to expand its products and services to a broader client...

Community college to offer business leadership development training

A new workforce training program coming to West Michigan will provide small and mid-sized organizations with essential leadership training. 

New Community Transformation Fund gets $500K boost from Frey Foundation

A local venture capital fund supporting minority-owned businesses received an investment from a philanthropic entity.

Michigan medical startup raises $42M in Series D funding

A local medical device startup recently closed on an oversubscribed Series D funding round.

Calder Capital leads sale of Sparkle Car Care to Performance Plus

A local oil change and car wash company acquired another car care business with assistance from Calder Capital.

Entrepreneur builds hair salon into LGBTQ hub

Downtown salon owner Laura Signore has built an inclusive haven for the Grand Rapids LGBTQ community. 

Record shop aims to help customers find gold

A new record shop looking to capture the magic of a growing musical medium found a fitting location in Eastown.

High-tech lash studio opens second location

A Russian orphan is living her American dream by opening the second location of a growing company in Grand Rapids.

Plaintiff in Shefit lawsuit alleges culture at odds with company’s inclusive branding

Former executives at a West Michigan sports bra company allege a "toxic culture" and tax evasion in a pair of lawsuits against the company.

Mother-daughter duo tackles dementia head-on

A mother-daughter duo is helping change the conversation around dementia care.

Vendor pop-up brings diverse businesses to the fore

West Michigan community leaders are coming together to support and advertise for minority-owned businesses. 

Cultivate keeps holiday shopping local with arts guide

As the holiday season approaches, shoppers are looking for that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift. Mallory Shotwell, Cultivate director and founder, is hoping to showcase local artists and businesses who can offer exactly that.

Beastro brings made-to-order cuisine to canines

Candied Yam owner and founder Jessica Ann Tyson is bringing her culinary talents to the world of boutique dog food.

Chamber names 2022 EPIC Award winners

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Oct. 19, celebrated nine local businesses helping drive growth, entrepreneurship and collaboration in the community. 

Beer City Dog Biscuits cuts ribbon on new van

Grand Rapids nonprofit Beer City Dog Biscuits (BCDB) is inviting the public to celebrate the purchase of its new transit van. 

Comcast accepting new RISE program applications

A telecom company launched a new phase of its program to equip small businesses with technology solutions.