Blog

Tips, Tricks and Expert Advice to
Help You Grow Your Business

Start Smart in 2016

January 20, 2016

Start Smart in 2016 GROW’s classes, programs and workshops are a resource for entrepreneurs in West Michigan. We’re a few weeks into the New Year and at Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) we’re starting the year off strong with a full schedule of classes. When it comes to starting your business or growing as … Read more

5 Ways Small Businesses Can Give Back to the Community

December 22, 2015

Five Ways Small Businesses Can Give Back to the Community The holiday season is in full swing, and all around the world people are thinking of ways to show people they care. For small businesses, it’s important to give back to their communities and to the individuals who helped them succeed. Even more important than … Read more

InnovateHer Competition – Local Pitch Winner Selected

December 8, 2015

InnovateHer Competition – Local Pitch Winner Selected On November 30, 2015, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) worked with the Small Business Association (SBA) Office of Women’s Business Ownership and SBDC of Michigan to host the InnovateHER Challenge West Michigan, a nationwide business pitch competition that aims to find the most innovative products and services … Read more

BNI Scholarship Opportunity

December 7, 2015

BNI Scholarship Contest A $400 Value to Increase Your Network & Referrals. The BNI (Business Network International) Pinnacle Chapter is looking to expand. And they’ve turned to GROW to offer a scholarship to one of our participants to join their group for FREE, for the first year. This is a $400 scholarship, but the value is unlimited … Read more

Social Media for Small Business, Part 2

November 16, 2015

Social Media for Small Business, Part 2 In our last blog we discussed how to get started on utilizing social media for your small business or startup, from having your plan to selecting the right platforms to deciding what you might talk about. Today we’re here to discuss a few more specifics of social media. … Read more

Getting Started in Social Media, Part 1

November 9, 2015

Social Media for Small Business, Part 1 Social media: it’s not if you’ll use it, but rather when you’ll use it. Social media is a valuable tool for many organizations. It’s no surprise, as nearly one out of three Americans receives their news from Facebook. Facebook isn’t the only powerhouse social media out there, as … Read more

2015 Seeds of GROWth Award Winners Announced

October 14, 2015

2015 Seeds of GROWth Award Winners Announced Our 26th Annual Awards Celebrates Michigan women business leaders who generate economic  opportunities for Grand Rapids community On October 13, GROW Grand Rapids hosted the 26th annual Seeds of Growth luncheon. Three award winners were announced for their achievements in their roles and work as women business leaders … Read more

EMV, Smart Chips and Credit Card Security Changes for Small Businesses

October 2, 2015

  EMV, Smart Chips and Credit Card Security Changes. Credit cards: as businesses owners, especially retailers, we all take them and need to ensure security for our customers. Credit card fraud is a major concern. By the end of 2015 there will be an estimated $10 billion per year for the total costs of fraud … Read more

SBA: New Authority Will Bolster Women-Owned Small Businesses

October 1, 2015

 SBA: New Authority Will Bolster Women-Owned Small Businesses The SBA, US Small Business Administration recently posted a press release about a new program. This program directly impacts opportunities for women-owned small businesses who have an interested in working with the federal contracting marketplace. Effective October 14, 2015, this rule will level the playing field for … Read more

Seeds of GROWth Award Nominees Announced

September 28, 2015

2015 Award Nominees These nominees will be present at our 2015 Luncheon event, and we will announce the winners then. If you see any of these women business owners, leaders and supporters, please congratulate them for their nomination, hard work and dedication. Leadership Award Nominees The GROW Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding community leader whose had … Read more

Infusion Communication Group Hosts “Lunch In the Cloud” Oct 2 & Oct 7

September 24, 2015

Enjoy Lunch In the Cloud! Join Infusion Communications Group for a seminar regarding the power of the cloud, including a data center tour and lunch. You’ll learn from industry leaders in network engineering on the trends of cloud services. Join in on a discussion on how the cloud is impacting the way we do business. Learn how other companies are leveraging … Read more

Small Business Owner Lunch & Learn Oct 21 from Chemical Bank

September 24, 2015

HOW TO BE A PARTNER AND NOT AN ORDER TAKER Wednesday, October 21, 2015 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Chemical Bank Walker Office 2185 – 3 Mile Road NW, Grand Rapids Join Chemical Bank and Guest Speaker Renwick Brutus, for a Lunch & Learn seminar. This event is designed to help you understand strategic partnerships, … Read more