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Business Opportunities, Benefits, and Grants for Women in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Thinking about starting your business? There is a lot to worry about when it comes to launching a new venture. But you don’t have to stress too much. The City of Grand Rapids comprise of resources to help you get started. There are certain requirements you have to meet before you open a business in the City of Grand Rapids. Read this article to learn about the available resources for women entrepreneurs and the requirements to start your business.

West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative

The West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative supports the growth of women-owned businesses in the tech industry by providing them with a variety of services. it doesn’t matter whether you are just starting or in the middle of business development. The initiative can help you purchase new equipment for production, come up with a viable business plan, legal support, or marketing services. You can have access to all the services you need to achieve growth and expansion in Michigan. Want to reach out for more details, please email wmsti@gvsu.edu.

Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW)

GROW is a non-profit organization focused on supporting women-owned businesses in all business development stages. GROW enables women to take the next big step towards achieving success for their businesses. The organization provides you with everything you need to grow your enterprise. Some of the services include funding support. GROW has loan programs to help women entrepreneurs start or grow their businesses. The funds are designed to meet all your needs and help you achieve your goals. Find out more about GROW funding at https://www.growbusiness.org/services/business-lending/. The organization also provides training services to help sharpen entrepreneurial skills and prepare businesswomen for future challenges in their careers. Read more at https://www.growbusiness.org/services/business-counseling/business-training/. GROW offers services to help women entrepreneurs interact with other business experts through networking opportunities and counseling. Learn more about GROW at https://www.growbusiness.org/.

Grand Rapids SCORE

When starting your own business, you must interact with those who have been in your place. SCORE is a non-profit organization comprising of members who have owned the most successful businesses in history. It also comprises active business owners. Together, they work to support your dream of becoming a successful female entrepreneur by offering mentoring, business counseling, and training services to keep you on the right track to making your business thrive. The SCORE members help you succeed by sharing their own life experiences in the business world. For more details about SCORE, please visit https://grandrapids.score.org/.

Grand Rapids Public Library

The Grand Rapids Public Library is a home for business resources and information you need to get started with your great idea the resources are accessible both online and on-site. There are eight library locations in the City of Grand Rapids where you can get the support you need to grow your business. Learn more at http://www.grpl.org/research/sbrc/.

Start Garden

Start Garden is an organization focusing on helping women entrepreneurs start and grow a successful business in the City of Grand Rapids. The organization can help you in many ways, including coming up with ideas, business plans, capital investment opportunities, among others. You can make your business thrive through this organization’s support. Read more at http://www.startgarden.com/.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

MEDC is dedicated to maintaining a high entrepreneurial spirit in Michigan by attracting new businesses and retaining the existing ones by supporting them through programs and services. whether you need help with identifying the suitable location for your business, seeking employees, or funding support. Find out more at https://www.michiganbusiness.org/#home-intro.

Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce

The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce supports local women-owned businesses by acting as their advocate, representing their interests, and providing the resources and tools they need to achieve growth in the City of Grand Rapids. The Chamber provides training services to develop the local talent to improve the standard of living of residents and women business owners in the City of Grand Rapids. Find out more at http://www.grandrapids.org/.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The purpose of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economic well-being of Hispanic-owned businesses. The chamber focuses on promoting the professional growth and development of the West Michigan Hispanic business owners. Read more at http://www.hccwm.org/.

Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB)

GRABB is an organization dedicated to spearheading business development to improve the of City of Grand Rapids. The organization focuses on fostering the success of black women-owned businesses and ensuring that black neighborhoods achieve sustainability and prosperity. GRABB works to provide opportunities for black women entrepreneurs by supporting them with funding, acquiring employees, and the skills they need to thrive. The goal is to create awareness about black businesses and driving them towards achieving economic growth in the community. For more details, please visit https://grabblocal.com/.

Urban League of West Michigan

The Urban League of West Michigan is dedicated to empowering women to achieve high quality of life by supporting their businesses. The organization operates through programs and services geared towards helping women have a positive impact on the community through their goods and services and the generation of more employment opportunities for the public. The goal is to improve the living standards of the residents by enabling them to achieve economic independence. For more details, please visit https://www.grurbanleague.org/about.

Local First

Local First is dedicated to supporting the local women-owned businesses to enable thrive and drive the city of Grand Rapids towards achieving economic development goals. Local First is a Community that creates opportunities locally for businesses and comes up with solutions to challenges facing women entrepreneurs in their daily operations. The organization believes in working together towards a common goal. They strive to help meet the basic needs of the local community members and strives to build local wealth and capital. For more details, please visit https://localfirst.com/.

The Starting Block

The Starting Block is interested in helping women entrepreneurs in successfully starting a food or natural resources recipe. To qualify for the program support, you must be certified, licensed, and well equipped with the skills in food processing. They provide support through rentals. Read more at http://www.startingblock.biz/.

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