Grow

Culinary Conversations
2025-01-08 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Detroit) | Grand Rapids Downtown Market 435 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
HAVE AN IDEA FOR A FOOD BUSINESS? NOT SURE HOW TO GET STARTED OR WHERE TO LOOK TO FOR HELP?
Grand Rapids is quickly becoming known for being an entrepreneurial support hub and we’re here to help make your idea into a business! But what are Entrepreneurial Support Organizations (ESO’s) and what organizations are there to help guide you on your business journey?
Join us in the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Greenhouse on Wednesday, January 8, 2024 for an entrepreneurial support networking happy hour!
You’ll get the opportunity to meet some of the amazing Entrepreneurial Support Organizations that West Michigan has to offer!
Organizations such as Start Garden, GROW, MSU-Product Center, Downtown Market Incubator Kitchen, and many more. You’ll also be able to network with some of West Michigan’s up-and-coming food entrepreneurs, food industry veterans, lenders, business coaches, entrepreneurial mentors, and more!
Snacks and beverages will be provided.
By registering for Culinary Conversations events, you permit the use of your image (including, but not limited to photographs, audio recordings, or videos), without charge and without reservation—all or a portion of your story, likeness, and voice in future Downtown Market promotion.
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The Culinary Conversations MeetUp group is a partnership between the Grand Rapids Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, MSU Extension, and Start Garden.

Simplifying Business Tax Basics: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know (ENGLISH)
2025-02-05 17:30 - 19:00 | 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
This session is being held in English only.
This workshop is designed to simplify the complex world of business taxes, helping entrepreneurs save time, reduce stress, and avoid costly mistakes. In this 90-minute session, entrepreneurs will learn: -Key tax terminology every business owner should know. -How to identify the right business structure for tax purposes. – Some tips on Deductions and credits: What you can (and can’t) write off. -Common tax mistakes and how to avoid them. Who Should Attend: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, freelancers, and anyone looking to better understand the basics of business taxes. Presenter: Jenny Gomez of Triple A Multiple Services

Simplificación de los conceptos básicos sobre impuestos comerciales: lo que todo empresario necesita saber
2025-02-12 17:30 - 19:00 | 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Este taller está diseñado para simplificar el complejo mundo de los impuestos comerciales, ayudando a los empresarios a ahorrar tiempo, reducir el estrés y evitar errores costosos.

En esta sesión de 90 minutos, los empresarios aprenderán:

-Terminología fiscal clave que todo propietario de una empresa debería conocer.
-Cómo identificar la estructura empresarial adecuada a efectos fiscales.
– Algunos consejos sobre deducciones y créditos: Lo que puedes (y no puedes) deducir.
-Errores fiscales comunes y cómo evitarlos.

Quién debería asistir:
Empresarios, propietarios de pequeñas empresas, trabajadores autónomos (cuenta propia) y cualquiera que busque comprender mejor los conceptos básicos de los impuestos comerciales.

Presentadora: Jenny Gomez de Triple A Multiple Services

Do I have a plan for retirement? An informative workshop for retirement planning for entrepreneurs
2025-02-19 17:30 - 19:00 | 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
This workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the unique challenges of retirement planning and create a roadmap for financial independence. In this informative session, you’ll learn: -How to balance reinvesting in your business with saving for retirement. -Key strategies for building a diversified retirement portfolio tailored to entrepreneurial life. -Common pitfalls entrepreneurs face when planning for retirement—and how to avoid them. Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or you want to refine your existing plan, this workshop will equip you with practical tools, expert insights, and actionable steps to secure your future. Who Should Attend: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, self-employed professionals, and anyone looking to take control of their retirement planning while managing the demands of running a business.
Presented by Andy Garcia – Financial Advisor for Edward Jones

Grow Start-Up Business Plan Bootcamp (Spanish)
2025-03-15 09:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-18 09:00 - 15:00 | 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
THIS SESSION IS BEING HELD IN SPANISH ONLY
Join the Grow Team to begin working on the foundational sections of your start up business plan. This workshop is ideal for new businesses.
This is a 6 hour workshop designed to help you prepare your business plan!

Emails that Convert: A Marketing Seminar to Maximize Revenue Through Email Marketing
2025-03-19 17:30 - 19:00 | 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, 1333 Alger St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Are your emails getting ignored, or worse—landing in spam? It’s time to turn your email marketing into a powerful revenue-generating machine! Emails that Convert is a hands-on marketing seminar designed to help business owners craft compelling emails that drive engagement, build relationships, and increase sales.
In this workshop, you will:
✅ Learn the key elements of high-converting emails (subject lines, copy, and design)
✅ Discover automation techniques to nurture leads and boost customer retention
✅ Start an actionable email marketing plan to implement immediately
Whether you’re new to email marketing or looking to improve your existing strategy, this seminar will give you the tools and insights you need to maximize revenue through every email you send.

Comerica Bank Business Boot Camp | How Businesses Obtain Credit
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
Join Grow in partnership with Comerica Bank for a virtual session designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners better understand the process of obtaining business credit.
During this session, you’ll learn:

What lenders look for when reviewing applications
Steps you can take to build or strengthen your business credit profile
Practical tips for positioning your business for funding success

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your business, this event will give you the knowledge and tools to confidently approach lenders and financial institutions.
Who Should Attend:

New and aspiring entrepreneurs
Small business owners
Anyone seeking to improve their business creditworthiness

Details:
📅 Thursday, Oct. 9th, 2025
🕑 12pm EST – 1pm EST
💻 Virtual (Microsoft Teams link provided upon registration)
🎟️ Free
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights directly from experts and take the next step toward securing the credit your business needs to grow.

Comerica Bank Business Boot Camp | Financial Management - Understanding this critical practice
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
Strong financial management is the foundation of every successful business. Join Grow in partnership with Comerica Bank for this informative session where we’ll break down the essentials of managing your business finances with clarity and confidence.
In this session, you’ll discover:

Why financial management is vital for business success
How to track, understand, and use financial data in decision-making
Practical tools to help you stay organized and financially prepared

Whether you’re new to entrepreneurship or already running a growing business, this program will equip you with the knowledge and resources to strengthen your financial practices and set your business up for long-term success.
Who Should Attend:

Aspiring entrepreneurs
Small business owners
Anyone seeking to improve their financial management skills

Details:
📅 Thursday, Oct. 16th, 2025
🕑 12pm EST – 1pm EST
💻 Virtual (Microsoft Teams link provided upon registration)
🎟️ Free
Gain the confidence to manage your finances wisely and take control of your business’s financial future.

Culinary Conversations: Food Entrepreneur Showcase
2025-10-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Grand Rapids Downtown Market 435 Ionia Ave. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Join us from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday, October 22 for a food entrepreneur showcase at the Downtown Market.
20+ food producers, packaged food brands, and caterers will be set up for sampling and showcasing throughout the night in the Downtown Market Greenhouse.

Get the first taste of new and emerging products

Find the next local “hidden gem”

Meet up and coming entrepreneurs

This event is FREE to attend

This showcase is presented in partnership by the Downtown Market Education Foundation, GROW, Start Garden, and the Michigan State University Product Center.
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
5:00 PM 7:00 PM
Grand Rapids Downtown Market
435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI

Comerica Bank Business Boot Camp | Online Marketing and Branding
2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
Your brand is more than just a logo—it’s the story your business tells every day. In today’s digital-first world, understanding how to market and brand your business online is essential for attracting customers and standing out from the competition.
Join Grow in partnership with Comerica Bank for a virtual session where you’ll learn practical strategies to build a strong brand identity and market your business effectively online.
In this session, you’ll discover:

The key elements of a powerful brand
How to identify and reach your target audience online
Best practices for social media, websites, and digital content
Tools and tips to increase visibility and engagement

Whether you’re launching your business or looking to expand your online reach, this program will give you the skills and confidence to share your brand story in a way that resonates.
Who Should Attend:

New and aspiring entrepreneurs
Small business owners
Anyone wanting to strengthen their online presenceDetails:
📅 Thursday, Oct. 23rd, 2025
🕑 12pm EST – 1pm EST
💻 Virtual (Microsoft Teams link provided upon registration)
🎟️ Free

Take the next step toward creating an authentic, impactful brand that grows your business online.

Comerica Bank Business Boot Camp | Time Management
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | MI
Time is one of the most valuable resources for any entrepreneur or business owner. Learning how to manage it effectively can reduce stress, increase productivity, and create more balance in your daily life.
Join Grow in partnership with Comerica Bank for this practical session focused on simple yet powerful time management strategies to help you get more done without feeling overwhelmed.
In this session, you’ll learn:

How to identify and prioritize your most important tasks
Proven techniques to stay focused and avoid distractions
Tools and systems that make organizing your time easier
Ways to create a routine that works for you and your business

Who Should Attend:

Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Professionals balancing multiple responsibilities
Anyone seeking more productivity and focus in their day

Details:
📅 Thursday, Oct. 30th, 2025
🕑 12pm EST – 1pm EST
💻 Virtual (Microsoft Teams link provided upon registration)
🎟️ Free
Take control of your schedule and discover how to make the most of your time so you can work smarter not harder.

Lakeshore Business Growth Expo
2025-11-05 16:00 - 19:00 | Muskegon Innovation Hub at Grand Valley State University, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon, MI, 49440, United States
Lakeshore Business Growth Expo 2025
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 4:00PM –7:00 PM
Muskegon Innovation Hub at Grand Valley State University – 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon, MI 49440
PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS
Greater Muskegon Economic Development, Grow, GVSU Muskegon Innovation Hub, Left Coast Capital Resources, Michigan SBDC, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Northern Initiatives, SCORE, The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg
Join us for an evening designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs — from startups to second-stage growth companies — to connect, learn, and access valuable resources.
