First GVSU student entrepreneur accelerator program finishes strong despite setbacks

(Featured Photo Courtesy of 77 Idea Lab Youtube Page) By Kayla Sosa Students who want to solve a problem in their community or society through a product or service have a new opportunity through the 77 Idea Lab at Grand…

GV alum, business owner spreads positivity through snail mail

By Kayla Sosa Shannon Cohen is known around West Michigan for her positive attitude and inspiring leadership by the work she’s done through her book, podcast and public speaking engagements. With the recent societal shift due to coronavirus, Cohen has…

5 tips from GVSU alum, business owner Jermale Eddie

  By Kayla Sosa Jermale Eddie is a GVSU graduate and owner of Malamiah Juice Bar in downtown Grand Rapids. The family business began in 2012 with Eddie’s interest in juicing and then his wife, Anissa Eddie’s, idea to start…

Local veteran building bladesmithing business

By Kayla Sosa A student in the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur Lab program is building up his side business in custom knife making.  Shawn Moulenbelt, 52, might be part of the weekly entrepreneurship program at Grand Valley State University, but he’s…

How the European Innovation Academy enhances the GVSU entrepreneur student experience

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,…

Veronica Kirin: Entrepreneur, advocate, mentor and more

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…

Q&A | Hickory Tree Farm Apiaries

By Kayla Sosa Nick Kaminski is the recent grand prize winner of the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur-Lab at Grand Valley State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Before MVE, Kaminski was involved with Heroes to Hives, a program that teaches veterans how to…

Born Blessing: Supporting women during their path to and through motherhood

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…

Shining light on inner and outer beauty with Life’s Beautiful Diamonds

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…