By Kayla Sosa One of the best things Valerie Kozak said she did as a college student, is spend time studying abroad. A senior at Grand Valley State University majoring in Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Kozak spent three weeks in Turin,…
Read More How the European Innovation Academy enhances the GVSU entrepreneur student experience
By Kayla Sosa From decorations, to catering, to choreography and planning, husband and wife Jose Juarez-Aguilar and Diana Maceda do it all. Maceda’s Events started unofficially through word of mouth. Maceda’s friends and family members noticed over the years how…
Read More Maceda’s Events: The husband and wife duo making events happen across West Michigan
By Kayla Sosa One small, upcoming business is trying to spread the message that a healthier mindset, starts with what you put into your body. Mindset Meals is a new, meal-prep service aimed to provide healthy, already cooked meals to…
Read More It starts with food: How a new meal prep company is launching a positive mindset movement
By Kayla Sosa With years of business experience, and waves of failure and success, entrepreneur Matt Gira is settling into his new role as the Entrepreneur in Residence at the Grand Valley State University Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.…
Read More Matt Gira: Gearing up student entrepreneurs for success
A Q&A with a GVSU alum who is making her mark in the business world and beyond By Kayla Sosa Veronica Kirin is an international entrepreneur coach and hosts an online community called the Audacious Entrepreneur Sandbox. She is…
Read More Veronica Kirin: Entrepreneur, advocate, mentor and more
By Kayla Sosa The City of Grand Rapids and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc are partnering to host an expo for small businesses in the city. Community members are encouraged to attend to meet local small business owners, who will…
Read More Upcoming expo to highlight small businesses in Grand Rapids
By Kayla Sosa Monique Salinas is no stranger to the nonprofit world; she has founded two nonprofits in the course of two decades. For 16 years, she directed Girls Choral Academy - a choir program for girls - and then…
Read More Experienced mentor helps nonprofits “Ascend to Greatness”
By Kayla Sosa A community organization in Grand Rapids is making it easier for entrepreneurs and small business owners who can’t obtain a bank loan through racial bias and inequity, to acquire funds. Rende Progress Capital was co-founded by Eric…
Read More Rende Progress Capital: Creating equity in lending and investments
By Kayla Sosa A local woman is one of the recent winners of the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab Showcase and Pitch Competition at Grand Valley State University. Ellie Dragstra wanted to become a doula - or maternal support practitioner - for…
Read More Born Blessing: Supporting women during their path to and through motherhood
By Kayla Sosa In an effort to spread self love to all women, Shawnda Louise Michael Jackson has started a transformational coaching service called Life’s Beautiful Diamonds. “I transform women’s lives from coal to beautiful diamonds,” Jackson said. “Those who…
Read More Shining light on inner and outer beauty with Life’s Beautiful Diamonds
