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.
Small businesses make up 96% of all Michigan businesses and are essential to the state’s economic strength.

The Kickoff event features Gina Thorsen, CEO of Jacquart Fabric Products, which is the home of Stormy Kromer, the iconic outdoor apparel brand. As part of the third generation of Jacquart family members to oversee the business, she is the first female CEO in the brand’s 120-year history. Her story will bring inspiration and excitement to National Small Business Week.

Attendees will also have the chance to win a Stormy Kromer Cap Gifting Box, complete with everything needed to measure your head and pick out your perfect cap (a $85 value).

The Kickoff is just the beginning. In celebration of National Small Business Week, the Grand Rapids Chamber is partnering with the SBA’s Michigan Small Business Development Center to host a weeklong series of events designed to reach, support, and elevate local entrepreneurs. Find a full list of Small Biz Week West Michigan 2026 events at smallbizweekwm.com