A decade-old company that used to operate from the owner's Grand Rapids home is one of the first shops in the new International Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence on Grand Rapids' southwest side.
The center, developed by
Eastern Floral owner Bing Goei, occupies part of the former Kindel Furniture factory at 818 Butterworth SW and is set up to provide collaborative support space for eight women- or minority-owned small businesses. Eastern Floral occupies a portion of the building.
RSVP Events, owned by Nancy Dobry, moved in November 1.
"Our office area is about 10 feet by 12 feet with a privacy door, and we have space outside the office that will be divided by large plants where we can meet with clients," says Valerie Smies, RSVP spokesperson.
RSVP Events provides full wedding and reception coordination, day-of coordination and event planning and coordination for fundraisers and civic galas. Besides specialty linens and chair covers, the company also offers event décor items for rent.
"For weddings, we can do everything from the wedding invitations to the reception," Smies says. "We meet with the client, we know their budget and we go with them to meet with the florists, photographers, caterers and other vendors."
As for the reason for the move, the opportunity to collaborate with other business owners and the location both played a part.
"We wanted to be close to downtown because we work with a lot of downtown vendors," Smies says. "What really excited us is working with so many businesses in the building. We're so excited about the change. It's going to be great."
Source: Valerie Smies, RSVP Events
Related ArticlesAbandoned GR furniture factory now bustling International Entrepreneurial CenterDeborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.