GR Makers The Makerspace in Action by Grayson Deyoung GR MAKERS’ function is quite telling by its title; it is a makerspace located downtown Grand Rapids that offers a place for individuals to get their hands dirty and build something.The space…
When the Sunday Saver just won’t cut it
Micro-Marketing to the Collegiate Crowd By Adam Ingraham (@adamingraham) Published: November 15, 2012 WEST MICHIGAN – When I was growing up, my mother would sit down at the dining room table and peruse through the Sunday morning periodicals. Nowadays, I…
Million Dollar Dreams
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,…
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…
Teens: Flooding the Pipeline
The future of downtown Grand Rapids is bright, just ask the forty-two Michigan high school students who took to the streets this afternoon, looking for ways to contribute to the city's urban development. Having spent seven hours with this year's…
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…
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