Get to Know GROW’s New CEO, Milinda Ysasi
Get to Know GROW’s New CEO, Milinda Ysasi What was your first job and what did you learn from it? Scooping ice cream at the iconic Jersey Junction…I was 14 years old, my sister and other friends ended up working with me. I learned the importance of customer service, selling and diffusing conflict with a … Read more
Applications Now Open for Muskegon County Fast Forward Loan
Applications Now Open for Muskegon County Fast Forward Loan (Grand Rapids, MI – April 12, 2021) Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) in partnership with the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, has launched the Muskegon County Fast Forward Loan, a brand–new loan product designed to elevate businesses in Muskegon County to launch and grow in the … Read more
Get to Know GROW’s Program and Volunteer Coordinator, Rosie Orchanian
What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first official job was in High School when I worked at the local Hallmark shop. It was a great first job because I was able to work with my friends and also it taught me that even seemingly mundane tasks can … Read more
Get to Know Nikita Miner, GROW’s Office Administrator
Get to Know Nikita Miner, GROW’s Office Administrator What was your first job and what did you learn from it? I worked with my mom for my first job. She owned a cleaning company called Early Bird Cleaning Services, in Ypsilanti, MI. I learned that not all jobs are … Read more
Get to Know GROW’s Operations Manager, Amy Deel
Get to Know GROW’s Operations Manager, Amy Deel What was your first job and what did you learn from it? A grocery store bagger. I learned a lot about physical labor because I also had to take groceries to cars and take care of the recycling machines (which were much more difficult to manage then). … Read more
Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) Announces 2021 Board Members
Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) Announces 2021 Board Members West Michigan non-profit organization, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW), welcomes many new members to the 2021 Board of Directors to further provide strategic direction for the development of the organization. Janis Petrini, Owner and Operator, Express Employment Professionals Tracey Burke, Healthcare Consultant Catherine Kloska, … Read more
Bonnie Nawara, GROW CEO, Announces Retirement
Grand Rapids, MI — Following a decade of leading Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) CEO Bonnie Nawara announced her retirement at the end of this year. “These last 10 years have been a whirlwind, and it’s been an honor to lead the organization to a whole new level,” Nawara said. “GROW is now at … Read more
Small Business Grant Opportunities
Small Businesses Grant Opportunities As we move toward the end of the year, there are still grant opportunities for small businesses impact by COVID-19. If your business is struggling as a result of the pandemic, we encourage you to apply! LISC-Lowe’s – Rural Relief Small Business Grants Details: Grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 are available to businesses … Read more
SBAM Distributing $3 Million in Grants to Help Small Businesses Weather the Cold
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is providing federal CARES Act funds to help qualifying small businesses expand their capacity by adding weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities. Grants will be awarded to eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis with special consideration given to awarding at least 10 grants in each of Michigan’s … Read more