GrowBusiness 
How to Write an Email Newsletter Email marketing is wildly important to most marketing strategies, especially if you’re looking for true success as it leaves a stronger impression than social media and other digital tactics. But it’s critical that your email marketing campaigns function properly, especially newsletters—these are usually how you get folks to … Read more
How to Foster Diversity in the Workplace Diversity in West Michigan is a driving force in the entrepreneurial community, where it’s been a focus for many small businesses and supporters for years, including the team here at GROW. Diversity brings representation, perspective, and creativity to businesses, and fostering a team that prioritizes racial and economic … Read more
GROW Loan Allows Urban Apparel to Re-Open As we continue to face the aftereffects of the Coronavirus, businesses and entrepreneurs have taken a specific kind of hit. Although most of us could have never imagined we’d be in the throes of a worldwide pandemic, it has forced many of us to reevaluate our current circumstances. … Read more
Los Amigos Receives GROW Loan, Giving the Restaurant Room to Adjust to New Normal COVID-19 has impacted us all in different ways, and it continues to carry lasting effects. Some of your favorite local businesses have shouldered burdens too heavy to carry alone. At GROW, we’ve been honored to work with the Community Foundation for … Read more
GROW Opens “ReStart Kent” Loan Program to Small Businesses. Now Accepting Loan Applications. This is a NEW, flexible loan product to support relief and reopening efforts of small businesses in Kent County. We are thrilled to announce open applications for our “ReStart Kent” Loan. In partnership with the Small Business Administration, GROW has created this … Read more
Recovery Loan Story: Christina VanDam, Zeal Aerial Fitness Although no one could’ve predicted a global pandemic when 2020 began, here we are. And unfortunately, several of our favorite local businesses have taken a hit during these difficult times. With closures, loss of revenue, and uncertain reopening timeframes, entrepreneurs across the country have found themselves in … Read more
Ways to Support Local Businesses During the Coronavirus Although states are reopening around the country, the coronavirus is still an issue affecting community members and local businesses. With stay-at-home orders, businesses have taken a hit, especially small, locally-owned ones. At GROW, our mission is to help business owners in all stages of entrepreneurship, even a … Read more
A 4-part blog series by Rebecca Thomas As entrepreneurs, we face our own set of challenges. That’s part of what we sign up for when we step out on our own. Now that we’re facing a pandemic, it’s easy to spiral even further into overwhelm, frustration, and isolation that are already commonplace for us. What … Read more
How to Thrive and Be Intentional During Uncertainty – Boundaries, Self-Care, and the Sweet Spot with The EnerChi Architect A 4-part blog series by Rebecca Thomas As entrepreneurs we face our own set of challenges. That’s part of what we sign up for when we step out on our own. Now that we’re facing a … Read more
As we write this in March for the May edition with the theme of mental health, we have an abundance of questions weighing on the psyche of small business owners that we can discuss. These are trying times for everyone both emotionally and financially. Small business owners are experiencing extreme pressure due to the … Read more