As a local emerging community development financial institution (CDFI), Rende Progress Capital is the only racial equity-focused CDFI to provide loans, investments, and business technical assistance services to excluded entrepreneurs like Asian Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, and immigrants.
Detroit-native and small business owner Zena Patillo shares her story of overcoming obstacles, building social capital, and pushing for continued growth. She shares insights on the changes she’s seen over the past 30 years, as well as opportunities for further advancement when it comes to intentional inclusion within the community.
A 2018 survey conducted by CB Insights showed two of the top five reasons startup businesses fail are lack of capital and not having the right team in place. See how three local service providers seek to educate and support their clients in these arenas.
Having personally experienced challenges finding quality employment and getting connected when he moved to Grand Rapids 10 years ago, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Guillermo Cisneros is now forging partnerships within West Michigan to help educate and empower the Latinx business community.
Though it is not typical to see both the elderly and infants engaging with one another, intergenerational programs have found a way to bring them together and add value for both sides. Three local programs and a participant share their insights on the value of these programs and the positive impact they can have.
Local companies like Cascade Engineering, Varnum Law, and Afrik Advantage are intentional about opening dialogues and fostering change around diversity, equity, and inclusion, seeking to improve their organizations, empower their employees, and positively impact the community as a whole.
The impact of CSAs can be seen at the national level, and Grand Rapids is no stranger to impact of these community endeavors. Local CSAs like Fresh Beets and New City Farms are being intentional when determining where to break ground and what communities to serve.
Capitalization on the River, a continued focus on encouraging mixed-use developments, and promoting urban densities. These are the key elements attracting visitors, residents, and businesses to the Monroe North neighborhood.
A variety of organizations across the state are working to connect people to oral care they otherwise might never get, and they're innovating to continue improving oral health access in the future.
Self-proclaimed entrepreneur and Grand Rapids transplant, Don Rhoads, invented the BedBud Alarm out of a personal need. Through community involvement, market research and continuous revisions, he was able to develop his product. Though his journey is not over yet, he has already learned a lot along the way.
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