Yesterday, Omar Cuevas, Vice President of Investor Relations for the Grand Rapids Chamber, joined state leaders and industry experts at the MEDC State of Small Business Summit.
Cuevas was joined by Lt. Governor Gilchrist, Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and experts in sharing the latest in Michigan’s economic opportunity and small business recovery trends. Attendees also heard about strides MEDC has taken to elevate small business as a strategic focus area. Additionally, participants broke into small groups for discussion on technical assistance design, deployment, outcomes, and other relevant topics, of which Omar was a leader.
“At the Grand Rapids Chamber, we know small business drives our economy,” said Mr. Cuevas. “We are committed to leading the way in efforts that help our small businesses and working with state and community leaders to support them and the people they employ to thrive.”
The MEDC want to make sure that as funds are distributed for technical assistance or grants/loans that they are done in the most equitable manner to make sure that socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI-owned businesses) and micro-enterprises by addressing structural barriers that curtail access and opportunity for business owners, particularly BIPOC entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, people with low incomes, and businesses located in under-invested neighborhoods.
“I am proud to be a part of the Summit. When government partners with and listens small business stakeholders we can create solutions that create significant, lasting impacts,” Cuevas stated.
