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How a Muskegon County fund is helping women grow their businesses

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MUSKEGON, MI – The Business Equity Initiative’s next round of grants for women business owners is now open.

The fund, which began in late 2021, is the brainchild of local donors Nancy McCarthy, Mary Anne Gorman and Kim Suarez.

The three founders, all retired health care leaders, share a passion for racial and social justice, Suarez said.

She and her fellow donors were moved to create the fund after studying economic inequity and discussing it with local entrepreneurs and representatives that participate in business development.

“When asked, ‘what can be done to make the economy in Muskegon more equitable,’ they suggested that we create a grant program to help female entrepreneurs solidify their business and prepare for a conventional loan,” Suarez said. “They also suggested pairing the grant with a mentoring opportunity.”

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