“It is amazing to see how GROW has changed and expanded in the last 30 years,” shared Bonnie Nawara, CEO of GROW, “We love working with the community and seeing the progress and growth of our clients through the years. Our updated training programs like Facebook Credentialing and Google search, along additional lending products and loan options, have ensured the organization delivers relevant services startups and small businesses need in today’s economy. Especially entrepreneurs who might need more technical assistance – we’re here to help level the playing field.”  

GROW offers hundreds of training classes, and hundreds of hours in free business counseling serving nearly 2000 clients in Grand Rapids and Muskegon every year. These classes include Intro to GROW, GROW Connects, and Small Business GPS, which provide relevant education for businesses in every phase. GROW also partners with leading organizations for new and emerging markets including food-related businesses, and offers funding options from a few thousand dollars to $50,000 and more. GROW lending resources continue to expand and increase through their recent CDFI designation and grant.

Throughout 2019 GROW is inviting all past clients, board members and volunteers to reconnect and share their experiences with GROW.  They can contact GROW via phone at 616-458-3404, email [email protected] or on the website at growbusiness.org/30.  These stories will be included on the GROWbusiness.org website, on social media channels and in the annual report.