Success Stories
Creating prosperous communities and thriving businesses
Featured Success Stories
RJ’s Printing
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Sean Hollins knows all too well the challenges of being a Black business owner – the search for funding, the wealth disparities, the lack of…
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J.bird Provisions
Charlevoix, Michigan
Jessica Nagel didn’t realize the depths of plumbing knowledge she was going to need to start a business. “There was virtually no plumbing I could…
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Sip Coffee and Cocktails
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jonathan Farman says the best business move he ever made was finding the right partner. Jonathan Frantz, his partner, agrees. The two met in 2016…
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2022 Gift Guide
Small business is the best business. These entrepreneurs support their families and their communities and we're proud to support them. FOR SOMEONE WHO…
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Applecore General Store
Cedarville, Michigan
Activity comes in waves in the Les Cheneaux region. There’s the summer onslaught, because who wouldn’t want to spend time in an area surrounded by…
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All Success Stories
RJ’s Printing
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Sean Hollins knows all too well the challenges of being a Black business owner – the search for funding, the wealth disparities, the lack of…
Story
J.bird Provisions
Charlevoix, Michigan
Jessica Nagel didn’t realize the depths of plumbing knowledge she was going to need to start a business. “There was virtually no plumbing I could…
Story
Sip Coffee and Cocktails
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jonathan Farman says the best business move he ever made was finding the right partner. Jonathan Frantz, his partner, agrees. The two met in 2016…
Story
2022 Gift Guide
Small business is the best business. These entrepreneurs support their families and their communities and we're proud to support them. FOR SOMEONE WHO…
Story
Applecore General Store
Cedarville, Michigan
Activity comes in waves in the Les Cheneaux region. There’s the summer onslaught, because who wouldn’t want to spend time in an area surrounded by…
Story
Aspidistra Naturals
Battle Creek, Michigan
Lori Olsen is delighted with one benefit of owning a business – the jump in her confidence. “I’m doing things I never thought I’d do,”…
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Smith Truck Body
Rosebush, Michigan
Curtis Smith is sure of one thing: There will always be garbage. Smith has worked nearly a decade in waste hauling and recycling. He opened…
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Blossom Bird Bubble Tea
Marquette, Michigan
Kaila and Daniel Ball, newly married during the pandemic, had dreams of something fresh, away from metro Detroit. “We had plans to move to Oregon,”…
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