September's 5x5 Night featured a wide range proposals, from entrepreneurs working on socially innovative products that would contribute to solving the global food crisis, to apps that aim to connect college students beyond their dorms. Ben Logan of Ben's Buzz…
World class clarinetist and VP and Managing Director of advertising at award winning ad agency R/GA, Michael Lowestern shares his unique perspective on being an artist, an entrepreneur, and a performer. Q: Can you tell me a little bit about…
What it is: Graphic recording (also referred to as graphic facilitation or visual note taking) is the rendering of conversation, key points and ideation into images. The end result can be used across multiple mediums to visually communicate what was…
“There were times in my life where I would open the fridge and there would be nothing,” Jonathan Kumar said. “You never really forget what that's like.” Kumar is the founder of Food Circles, an app that connects citizens, businesses,…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
"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…
