Entrepreneurship

KCAD grads Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez head up Common Object, which helps organizations take steps toward sustainability.

Take a journey into regenerative design with Common Object

KCAD grads Justin Beitzel and Fernando Ramirez share their philosophy of regenerative design in their firm Common Object, which helps organizations take steps toward sustainability.

Latest in Entrepreneurship
A women-owned firm joins ranks of B Corp by balancing purpose and profit

A Q&A with the owners of Williams Group about their journey to become verified as meeting B Lab’s high standards for social and environmental impact.  

BC’s Café Rica and GR’s Natural Maya inspired by native culture, supported by Northern Initiatives

Two Southwest Michigan Latinx businesses feature Mexican and Costa Rican products, sharing elements of Hispanic culture with their communities, thanks in part to nonprofit lender Northern Initiatives.

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market Incubator Kitchen offers three different types of storage — cold/freezer, dry and pallet storage — and a variety of resources to help food entrepreneurs launch their own small businesses.
Incubator Kitchen nurturing equity for Grand Rapids area food entrepreneurs

Downtown Market Incubator Kitchen launches equity along with small food businesses in Grand Rapids area.

The Diatribe is a grassroots Grand Rapids youth-centered arts nonprofit.
New Burton Heights cultural arts center to be “an example of development without displacement”

The Diatribe is moving forward with its plans of establishing The Emory Arts and Culture Center at 2440 Division South, just south of Burton Street.

Blackrocks Brewing in Marquette.
Craft beer business continues to grow in U.P.

The number of breweries continues to grow in the U.P., appeasing locals and  travelers alike. 

Utilizing tech, talent and connections during Tech Week GR and beyond

Tech Week GR underlines Grand Rapids’ claim to the Silicon Valley of the Midwest. The Right Place and other strategic partners have created a foundation for helping technology companies thrive in Grand Rapids, driven by the live event.

Piecing together a sustainable fashion scene

Many are surprised to learn of West Michigan’s place in the international fashion industry scene. The Grand Rapids area is home to many designers, stylists, and 10+ different apparel and accessory manufacturers. Many of them are focusing on sustainability, shifting away from the wasteful footprint the industry is known for.

Issue Media Group relaunches Upper Peninsula publication

Issue Media Group is excited to announce the relaunch of its online, community-informed, digital publication in the Upper Peninsula. UPword will focus on innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and community development, while featuring U.P.-based talent.

Coffee sold by Last Mile Café.
Last Mile Café serves coffee, philanthropy and sustainability — and soon, the 49507

A Black-owned, woman owned business, Last Mile Cafe is opening a physical location at 1006 Hall St. SE that will package, roast and distribute its coffee brand as well as serve as a coffee shop.

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