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…

Local Business Resources during COVID-19

Because there’s a lot of information out there, we compiled some of the most available funding resources for West Michigan small businesses.  Note: This list will continue to update as we see more resources and as applications close. All of…

Sisters in Business: Building community by supporting women of color

By Kayla Sosa In an effort to support each other and the entrepreneurial community, four sisters came together in 2017 to form the organization, Sisters in Business.  Nicole Parker, Alisa Parker, Tiffany Parker and Teleshia Parker are four biological sisters,…

GR Noir invites customers to ‘exhale’ and unwind with wine, jazz

By Kayla Sosa A Grand Rapids couple are in the process of bringing a wine and jazz bar to the city.  Coming from a background in education, Nadia and Shatawn Brigham want to offer something to the community that’s accessible…

It starts with food: How a new meal prep company is launching a positive mindset movement

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…

Matt Gira: Gearing up student entrepreneurs for success

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.…

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…

Upcoming expo to highlight small businesses in Grand Rapids

  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…