Economic Growth Quarterly Report
Center for Economic Inclusion: Q4 2025
Our Economic Growth team delivers strategies and technical assistance to the business community at large (Chamber members and non-members), with intentionality towards historically marginalized entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The Chamber is at the center of West Michigan business, providing the resources, connections, and introductions businesses need to thrive.
Our goal is to empower wealth creation through business ownership by providing:
- One-on-one business consultations
- Connections to existing services and opportunities
- Programs and services needed to scale
This work is fueled by the Center for Economic Inclusion, a strategic initiative of the Grand Rapids Chamber.
Welcome New Certified Diverse Business Enterprises
Our Diverse Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Program recognizes minority, veteran, women, tribal, disability, and LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Certifications are provided to increase transparency and to create opportunities for procurement with supplier diversity programs with the area’s largest companies.
This certification gives West Michigan organizations a competitive advantage when working with the greater business community. Join us in welcoming our new Certified Diverse Business Enterprises from this past quarter!
Sadek Law
www.sadeklawplc.com
Woman-owned
The Derm Institute of West Michigan
https://derminstituteofwmi.com
Woman-owned
Aves Films
http://www.avesfilms.com/
Minority-owned
Safecare Transports
http://safecaretransports.com/
Minority-owned
Find the full list of certified businesses here.
Member Story: KJCo Creations
When KJCo Creations founder Kendal Jonas first launched her marketing and design business, she had the creative talent and the drive, but not yet the roadmap. Confident in her ability to build brands and manage social media, she quickly discovered that running a business required a different skill set: pricing, contracts, finances, and finding consistent clients. That’s when she turned to the Grand Rapids Chamber for help.
With guidance from the Chamber’s Economic Growth team and SCORE, Jonas formalized her LLC, implemented a structured pricing and contract system, and strengthened her professional voice.
Through a Chamber connection, Jonas secured her first major retainer contract, a milestone that doubled her contracted weekly hours and allowed her to increase her hourly rate by 20%. Within months, she stabilized her revenue to match and exceed her former full-time salary. KJCo Creations expanded its client base across Michigan, serving businesses in healthcare, trades, agriculture, and professional services, and Jonas is now planning to hire her first part-time employee.
“Bet on yourself. If you’re willing to put in the work and you surround yourself with the right people, friends, mentors, and people like Alex at the Grand Rapids Chamber, you can do this. Drive and passion go a long way, and when you need support, having resources like the Chamber makes the path feel possible.”
– Kendal Jonas, Founder
Q4 Events & Programs Recap
West Michigan Minority Contractors
November 6 • Registered attendees: 141
Business Growth Workshop | How to Have Effective Meetings
December 16 • Registered attendees: 34
Upcoming Events & Programs
Business Growth Workshop: New Tax Breaks for Businesses
New Tax Breaks for Business provides a practical overview of the major tax provisions in the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act and what they mean for small and mid-sized businesses. This presentation cuts through the noise to highlight key changes affecting business income, deductions, investment, and planning opportunities—helping entrepreneurs and local business owners understand what matters now, what to watch next, and how to position their businesses going forward. Join us Tuesday, March 3.
West Michigan Minority Contractors
West Michigan Minority Contractors (WMMC) is made up of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the construction trades, as well as general contractors. The program aims to strengthen contractors through cultivating relationships and new business partnerships among participants. Join us Thursday, April 23.
Small Business Week Kickoff
Your Grand Rapids Chamber is excited to host the inaugural National Small Business Week Kickoff to celebrate businesses in the community with inspiration, opportunity, and connection. The kickoff event features Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, which is the home of Stormy Kromer, the iconic outdoor apparel brand. Her story will bring inspiration and excitement to National Small Business Week. Register now to join us Monday, May 4.
Business Growth Workshop: Increase Your Sales by 17%
Cash is king! Every business needs more cash, and more sales = more cash. How do you get more sales? How do you get more cash? Our guest speakers have done it for more than 20 years in over 400 companies, adding over $1B in revenue. Come gain the confidence, optimism, positivity, and enthusiasm needed to add 15-30% revenue to your business. Join us for this Business Growth Workshop on Wednesday, May 6.
Connect with our Team
For more information, please reach out to our team members:
- Jenny Waugh, Vice President of Economic Growth, jenny@grandrapids.org
- Claire Colley, Senior Manager of Economic Growth, claire@grandrapids.org
- Alex Benda, Business Consultant, alex@grandrapids.org