Stories

Feature Story RapidChat2

RapidChat: Nanette Nunu

Nanette Nunu is not only a young African American professional, but a natural hair enthusiast. When she's not working her nine-to-five job, you will find her in front of her video camera providing beauty tips and tricks for her "Curlfriends" and subtly providing insight to her life in a city where she admits "I find myself counting, on one hand usually, the number of people of color in any environment I find myself in."

Feature Story easthills

Neighborhoods of GR: East Hills celebrates activism while tackling gentrification

In the charming, walkable, tree-lined streets of East Hills, one might think the hip restaurants or chic boutiques are the neighborhood's draw—but there is much more humming beneath the surface.

Feature Story pitch

Speak to the head and the heart: Creating connections through your pitch

Small business owners may feel like pitches and pitch competitions are high-pressure, fast-paced events, only focused on new business ideas. Local entrepreneurs prove that pitch competitions actually provide individuals with funding, networking opportunities, and free exposure.

Feature Story Pigeon Hill Brewing Company owner Michael Brower and his wife, Alana, the taproom manager.

Where everybody knows your name: How Muskegon's downtown bars and breweries are building the city

In just a couple years, downtown Muskegon has done a complete 180. Where once there were empty streets and abandoned buildings, there's now a thriving commercial landscape. The local brewery and bar scene has played a major role in this transformation, and the city's watering holes are continuing to reshape the city and its economy.

Feature Story Tommy Allen

G-Sync: Diversify your dollar

For those folks seeking to create year-round impact in our neighborhoods, there is a new path emerging that is easier than one might think. Publisher Tommy Allen looks at the future of our economy and believes neighborhood businesses contribute to an  increasing value for our citizens. 

Feature Story Pie at Sparrows

Happy Thanksgiving from Rapid Growth

Rapid Growth will be taking the week off this Thanksgiving to celebrate with friends, family, and loved ones. We hope you all have a restful and reflective holiday.

Swedish tech company Configura celebrates final expansion in Blue35 office space


StartUp Spotlight: Wodul


Feature Story Jamie KosmickiLIST

RapidChat: Jamie Kosmicki

Before the craft beer industry rose to its current popularity, Jamie Kosmicki was slinging beers at Founders Brewing Company alongside her now husband, Jeremy Kosmicki. As a long-time artist, Jamie further demonstrates how beer and arts go hand-in-hand - both personally and professionally.

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How Grand Rapids is building the future of healthcare

Across the country, advancing technologies, the Affordable Care Act, and a consumer-driven healthcare market have motivated those delivering medical services to take a new look at how they design their facilities—everything from primary care practices to high-tech radiology services.

Feature Story OTG Muskegon Heritage Museum engine

The keepers of history: Muskegon Heritage Museum brings city's vibrant past to life

Did you know many of the nation's bowling pins were once made in Muskegon? As were the first Raggedy Ann dolls? From boats and beer to engines, pianos, and paper, the vast array of products made right here in this city have made their way across the globe for more than a century. Now, the Muskegon Heritage Museum is telling the stories behind these goods, weaving a powerful narrative about the people and places who created the city's rich history.

Feature Story FTolder

Community matters: Grand Rapidians age without fear

If we’re being honest with ourselves, most of us view aging through the lens of fear. But while most standardized systems of care have made minimal progress towards improving the quality of life for older Americans, some individuals and organizations here in Grand Rapids are finding ways to hack their way to a higher standard of aged living.

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To love Grand Rapids into greatness means authentic community engagement

Residents, community organizers and leaders on Grandville Avenue are experiencing their neighborhood change as development comes in. Here we discuss how interdependent relationships are most effective when power is shared. 

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Amar a la grandeza de Grand Rapids requiere un autentico compromiso con la comunidad

Residente y lideres de la avenida Grandville estan viendo el cambio occurir en sus comunidades. Aqui discutimos compo compartiendo el poder y desarollando relaciones interdependientes es la manera de crear un cambio positivo. 

Custer, Inc. opens second tech-focused office on Hall St.


Feature Story Blanca Santizo

Women of the avenue: The strength of Grandville Ave.

This photo series is a glimpse at the everyday life of women residing on Grandville Avenue through the lens of a visual narrative.

Feature Story Students in the Youth Empowerment Project are changing Muskegon for the better.

Speaking up: The voices and actions of Muskegon's youth are changing our city

Volunteering. Tackling race relations. Mentoring. Urban farming. Rehabilitating homes. The students in Community enCompass' Youth Empowerment Project are doing all of this and more. Pay attention to these Muskegon teenagers: they're creating a better present, and future, for all of us.

Feature Story Josefina

Mujeres de la avenida: La fuerza de la avenida Grandville

Esta serie de fotos es un vistazo a la vida cotidiana de las mujeres que residen en la avenida Grandville a través de la lente de una narración y un collage.

Feature Story UIX Studio

UIX: Local creative professionals can build a business at Little Space Studio

Alysha Lach White is boosting local creativity and creatives by expanding the Little Space Studio into a place where freelancers and others can get work done.

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The future of The Rapid and the road to yes: Transit millage passes despite rocky journey

The Rapid celebrates the passing of their transit millage for another 12 years. And Though the issue of funding public transportation might seem straightforward, here in Grand Rapids, the millage question was a complex one, and now that the votes have been cast, Rapid Growth sought to clear the dust with a recap of the journey, and a hopeful—albeit murky—look into the future.