By Kayla Sosa A local woman is helping bring people out of poverty through empowerment and education. Iryonna Hogan started her nonprofit, Meaning in Colors, in 2017. She provides many opportunities for people going through tough phases of their life,…
Read More Meaning in Colors: Filling a gap in transitional housing
By Kayla Sosa In Grand Rapids, there are many entrepreneurs and organizations that support their work and needs, but there’s not always a steady connection between the two. Corey Hart, local entrepreneur, is looking to bridge that gap as the…
Read More Local Start Up Grind chapter exists to uplift entrepreneurial communities
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…
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”
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