<January 3, 2018> The Community Foundation for Muskegon County recently awarded Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) a grant to expand the organization’s services on the lakeshore. The funds will make it possible to add at least one GROW staff member dedicated to the Muskegon area.

“GROW has continued to expand our services outside of Grand Rapids. In fact, we serve a nine-county region. The Muskegon area is one where we have continued to see a lot of interest from entrepreneurs for several years,” said Bonnie Nawara, CEO of GROW. “This grant will allow us to improve resources for the area’s budding entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

For example, this past summer GROW provided funding for two entrepreneurs to have Pop Up Chalets in Muskegon’s Western Market. In addition, several Small Business Growth and Planning Series (GPS) classes have also been held in Muskegon, drawing interest and attention from local business owners, too.

“The Muskegon area continues to develop new opportunities for those with entrepreneurial mindsets to get together and make things happen. There are many partnerships and strong initiatives taking place with organizations in Muskegon, and we are excited to be a part of it. Most importantly, we’re thrilled that this grant will help us empower entrepreneurs to improve the local economy and the community,” Nawara added.

The organization estimates that they will be adding a staff member to Muskegon in early 2018. GROW representatives and class offerings will continue to be offered in Muskegon prior to this addition. Class and workshop schedules can be found online at www.growbusiness.org

About GROW: Don’t let the name fool you, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) is an organization focused on women and men at various stages of business ownership. We are the entrepreneurial resource throughout West Michigan to help them take the next step, empowering and supporting them with professional expertise for a lifetime.  More than half of those GROW serves are low to moderate income individuals who want to start or build their business.

GROW offers professional, high-quality training and business counseling in all facets of business, including finance, management, marketing, strategic planning, human resources, and more. GROW is one of only 110 certified Women’s Business Centers in the nation, and one of three in Michigan, all in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Learn more throughout our website!