Stories

MetaFi: Local App developed to track mental health


Innovation News INsmith1

Lajanae Smith: Local artist and filmmaker


Feature Story culture

Quality, not quantity: How focusing on craft culture is changing the way we drink

Pairing carefully crafted beverages with the perfect ambience and ethnically-inspired, gourmet cuisine, establishment owners are creating unique, unmissable moments. This approach to craft, well, everything, is changing GR's approach to drinking, inviting us all out for a better, well-rounded night on the town.

Beans, flour, fruit, and more: Michigan businesses export food with help from state

Growing everything from pickled beets to flour, Michigan food and agriculture businesses are making the most of opportunities through exports.

Feature Story The Croswell swinging bridge

Explore some hidden gems along Michigan's Thumb coast

Ready to hit the road this summer? Take advantage of a trip a little farther from home and check out some of the hidden gems the Thumb has to offer.

Feature Story west side

Neighborhoods of GR: A West Side Q&A

The simple fact is, the growth and development of GR’s West Side shows no signs of stopping. Likewise, it’s no secret that this has caused a stir with the long-time residents of the community. Executive Director of the West Grand Neighborhood Organization, Annette Vandenberg is a champion for her neighborhood and she shines light on the hopeful synergy she sees between both new and old.

Development News DNeightfive3

Eightyfive Miles celebrates all things Great Lakes with new lifestyle, apparel brand


Green Giftz prepares for grand reopening in custom-designed Ottawa Avenue office space


Grand Rapids Coffee Shop Guide


Thom McGuire: Music, Movies, and Hustle


Feature Story Benjamin Heyn

RapidChat: Benjamin Heyn

As we round out Pride Month, LGBTQ+ activist, Benjamin Heyn, reflects on the opportunities he's been given over the years and how he is using those as a force for good. Within in part-two of our Q&A conversation, we celebrate #PRIDE and the organizations within our community whose noble purpose revolve around that notion.

Feature Story kris ridings

Financing your dream: Entrepreneurs tap local and diverse resources

Securing financing for a small businesses can be a huge challenge, especially for new entrepreneurs. There are several opportunities available to assist entrepreneurs in the area including: microloans, SBA lending and pitch competitions. Additionally, here are some recommendations for staying motivated and being prepared to request funds.

Feature Story Analog

G-Sync: Analog in the city

When that giant summer sun is high in the air, if you are like me, then you’re seeking less time under the glow of your handheld screen as you seek those more analog moments in the city. This is Tommy Allen's suggested list of activities to consider.

Feature Story RGconstruction

Way past Rosie the Riveter: Women make strides in the construction industry

In the not-too-distant past, women in hard hats were scarce as construction trades were generally considered a man's domain. There was a time when women were lumped only into receptionist-type work and not allowed on worksites. But as women continue to gain employment in the construction sector, this stereotype is steadily changing.

Feature Story birthing-9339

Alternative birthing methods and why Michigan moms are choosing them

In the U.S., women learn about birth from television dramas and celebrity magazines and the medical system steps in to manage pregnancy and birth on computer screens, like any other disease. But, pregnancy is not a disease. Babies are not tumors to be removed. And, birth alternatives do exist for those persistent enough to find them.

Feature Story MDARD

From grains to glass: Michigan craft distillers produce fine spirits from local crops

Michigan distillers are building their businesses with locally grown grains and fruits. They say there's room to grow.