The Kent District Library has released its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, outlining their purpose, vision, future goals, and core values as a community resource. The 2021-2023 business goals focus on three pillars: equity, diversity and inclusion, engagement and service, and sustainability.

Boston Square Community Bikes offers a free DIY Bike workshop space alongside a low- to no-cost recycled bicycle shop. Funded by Oakdale Neighbors, the area community development organization, Boston Square Community Bikes has recognized the importance of bicycles as a vital means of transportation and has worked to foster the knowledge customers need to do important bicycle maintenance jobs themselves.

Kent County is experiencing a boom in economic growth, expanding laterally to communities that border the city of Grand Rapids, creating unique transportation challenges and solutions.

Wyoming born and raised, Jonny Vitale has launched a new family business, Vitaleone Olive Oil, in Sicily, Italy. It's available online and at Frankie V's Restaurant in Wyoming.

Lakeshore resident Steve Harryman recounts his late wife’s cancer diagnosis with a grim prognosis and the way participation in a support group with those on a similar journey replaced her grief with joy and compassion for others.

The Seeds of Promise Health and Wellness Impact Team Impact was birthed out of the Madison Square neighborhood’s organizing for holistic health care access — a kind of access that sees members of this community as human beings who have been forced to navigate systems that did not always center their experiences. Today that model continues to demonstrate how a community’s voice can lead and change to create the kind of resources and support a community wants and deserves.

Local business owner, Abbie Sterling, rebrands Gettin’ Fresh food truck to Roll Call, which will serve global-inspired handhelds.

Uncertainty remains in 2021 as we take steps to get ahead of the pandemic. However, emerging trends — including the explosion of e-commerce and pent-up customer demand — show this might be a great time to start a business. 

The GRABB Relief and Resilience Fund is specifically for Black entrepreneurs and business owners impacted by COVID-19’s on-going business interruptions and limitations. The grants support for-profit businesses that were unable to access adequate funding through the COVID-19.