Chuck’s Auto Repair has been in business for 2 years since they obtained their Microloan from GROW in May 2012 after being denied by several banks and opened for business in July using the funds for start-up costs and working capital. They have been profitable each year since opening and now have plans to expand the business. Right now those plans involve expanding within the space they currently have but they are also considering purchasing a building. The only drawback is their current lease has 3 years left and they are in the process of determining if the pre-termination process. Either way they plan on using profits to continue growing their business. Since obtaining their Microloan from GROW they have also become bankable. The business recently opened a business line of credit with PNC to help with cash flow and miscellaneous short-term expenses. They have created 3 jobs since opening in 2012.
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Grow Your Business Connie’s Cakes, a provider of tasty treats since 1995, has been selling custom cakes on South Division for many years. Topped with the best homemade butter cream, they specialize in wedding cakes and baked goods for any occasion. Mary Scheidel purchased the business from her aunt in 2010 and has continued the … Read more
Laura Parker’s story of business ownership is similar to that of a lot of creative professionals. After years of working for someone else, designers frequently find they can work for themselves, relying on their specialized artistic skills and technical knowledge. The obstacles are developing a client base large enough to drive consistent work, and the … Read more
“Make sure you do something you love. “Unless people have a passion for what they’re doing, they are not going to do it or do it well. Would you do this even if you didn’t get a paycheck?” – Synia Jordan A Deeper Level Of Growth Synia Jordan has spent over twenty years running Samaria … Read more
Entrepreneurial Insider with Shelley Irwin Listen to this informative segment from October 24, 2014
Entrepreneurial Insider An informative segment via The Entrepreneurial Insider with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Radio. This month is about Entrepreneurial Bootstrapping with Mary Brown, Program Manager at GROW and special guest Feme Naigow of Apsara Spa. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/187354462″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]
Thanks to Mayor Heartwell for the shout out for Seeds of GROWth Conference & Luncheon! Watch the video and learn more about Seeds of GROWth 2015, and how you can be a part of it. Post by Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW).
Entrepreneurial Insider | First Segment 8-22-14 In August, we begin a new segment, “The Entrepreneurial Insider” with Shelley Irwin on WGVU Public Radio. OUr staff and participants will be sharing their practical advice every month on this special segment. In this segment, CEO of GROW, Bonnie Nawara, sets the scene for us. Listen now!
“Cultivating a business mindset is a challenge, but it can be achieved by remembering your mission.” -Monica Randles Monica Randles and her husband Andrew created Nutcase Vegan Meats with their family in mind. They became vegetarians over seven years ago. When they realized they couldn’t find many healthy, organic, non-GMO vegan meat items that also … Read more
Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) has received funding to launch a microloan program in Muskegon County. This funding can be used to assist those small businesses who are interested in starting a business or need to grow their business. GROW’s microloan program as well as its programs and services are for both women and … Read more