Noël Cuellar - Primera Plastics Inc. The story of a $20 million business–started by a man who had labored as a migrant worker and been placed in a special education program because of language difficulties–is testimony to the tenacity, vision,…
Category: NEU 4
Breaking Barriers
Amy Engelsman - Proos Manufacturing As Amy Engelsman transitioned into the her role as CEO of Proos Manufacturing, she faced significant challenges: securing company financials; obtaining funding for purchase of the business; proving her leadership capacity to the lender; earning…
The New Wave of Entrepreneurs
Student business plan competitions foster an array of diverse ideas with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Grand Valley's 2012 competition featured ventures such as an on-demand bike locker rental system (left), water purification invention (middle), and personalized air vent manufacturer (right). Diversifying…
Jason Mascari: Moasis Global
"I didn't really take a traditional educational route in regards to starting a business." Like so many successful entrepreneurs before him, Jason Mascari came up with his big idea while brainstorming with a friend. “We were constantly throwing ideas around…
No Division On Division: MoDiv
Business incubation is increasingly becoming a common practice throughout the country. While incubators are continuously popping up in major entrepreneurial hubs, they are also forming in smaller communities, where the cost of retail space is an impediment to developing businesses.…
Invest Locally, Invest Profitably
In projects involving local talent, investors can get just as excited as entrepreneurs. That became evident on December 15, when the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, along with partnering sponsors, brought together 170 eager investors, fund managers, and business professionals…
West Michigan’s Risk Aversion
West Michigan’s political, financial, and social environments are seen by many as conservative and slow moving. Shedding light on the intricacies of doing business in the region and the difficulties entrepreneurs face while navigating this business environment, John Kerschen, Managing…
Impact Engineer
Thania Panopoulos - Impact Engine Social entrepreneurship has recently made its way into the venture capital community through a unique startup accelerator, Impact Engine. Founder Thania Panopoulos, a West Michigan native, venture capitalist, and philanthropist, has her unique fingerprint on the…
Ryan Vaughn:Varsity News Network
"College is the perfect time to start a business. You have access to tons of resources, and it never gets easier to try something new.” Ryan Vaughn (@RyanHVaughn) is the Co-Founder of Varsity News Network (VNN), an online high school sports media network, empowering high school journalists…
More than a Store, It’s a Community: Tree Huggers
Tree Huggers is an environmentally responsible business, dedicated to educating customers in leading environmentally sustainable lives. Owners Angela and Dan Topp, opened their first store in Holland two years ago and a second store on Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids…
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