grand rapids chamber Archives - Grand Rapids Chamber

Leveraging Economic Incentives for Your Business

Two people sitting in a bench smiling at each other

National Small Business Week: May 4–10, 2025

National Small Business Week is a time to celebrate entrepreneurs and small business owners — the visionaries, doers, and job creators who make our communities thrive. As someone who has both run a small business and spent the last five years supporting them, I know that real support takes many forms. One of the most common questions I hear is:

“Are there any grants or resources available for my small business?”
Often, the answer is yes — if you know where to look.

Here are a few great places to start:

💡 Comcast RISE Grant

Kent County is one of only five locations in the country eligible for this round of funding. The application window is open May 1–31 — don’t wait!
🔗 Apply here

🏙️ Downtown GR Inc. Grants

If your business is located downtown, check out:

Retail Business Innovation Grant (for soft goods retailers)
Downtown Enhancement Grant (for improving storefronts/exteriors)
🔗 More info

🛠️ Corridor Improvement Authorities (CIAs)

Outside of downtown? There are 7 CIAs in Grand Rapids offering facade improvement assistance.
🔗 See the map
Once you know your location, head to the city website and search by CIA name to learn more and apply.

🏢 Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The MEDC keeps an up-to-date list of grants, incentives, and other small business resources.
🔗 Explore resources

🌐 Hello Alice

A national and local grant hub. Easy to use and regularly updated.
🔗 Visit Hello Alice

⚡ Energy Savings = Business Savings

Both Consumers Energy and DTE Energy offer free energy assessments to help your business save money.
🔗 Consumers Energy
🔗 DTE Energy

Small Business Week is a great reminder that support is out there. These resources can make a real difference — share them, apply, and keep building.

Richard App

Retail Retention & Attraction Specialist
Grand Rapids Chamber

Governor Whitmer Visits with Local Business Leaders

Governor Gretchen Whitmer speaking at the Grand Rapids Chamber

Governor Gretchen Whitmer visited the Grand Rapids Chamber Monday afternoon, joining West Michigan business leaders to talk solutions and recognize the uncertainties that Michiganders are facing – driven by rising costs, tariffs, and shifting federal policies.

The conversation focused on roads, housing, and economic growth, and comes as lawmakers make decisions on the state budget that will shape the future of communities and employers. She urged leaders to choose action over paralysis and called for a more strategic national approach to keep Michigan’s economy moving forward.

Fixing our Roads: The Governor made clear that Michigan still needs a sustainable, bipartisan plan to fix the roads – without cutting essential services like public safety, housing, or local government funding.

Housing Supply: With demand outpacing supply across West Michigan, Whitmer pointed to state and local partnerships as essential to closing the gap. She highlighted tools like brownfield redevelopment and down payment assistance to help more families find affordable housing.

Innovation & Growth: The Governor spotlighted Michigan’s recent wins in advanced manufacturing and clean energy, but warned of potential headwinds. Staying competitive in a fast-changing global economy will require smart policy, strong partnerships, and continued investment in people and place.

What’s Next: The Governor’s office is working closely with lawmakers on the state budget and key priorities. She encouraged business leaders to stay at the table, share their stories, and help shape solutions.

Jacqui Dolce

Senior Manager of Government Affairs
Grand Rapids Chamber

Navigating I-9 Compliance: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

As HR professionals and business leaders, we all share the responsibility of ensuring our hiring processes meet federal compliance standards. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, areas is the Form I-9. This is used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired to work in the United States.

Even well-meaning employers can stumble into I-9 trouble, which can lead to costly fines or legal complications. Whether you are a small business owner, a manager, or part of a growing HR team, here are a few reminders to help you stay on track.

Timing Is Everything 🕒

Form I-9 must be completed within three business days of an employee’s start date. Delays, even unintentional ones, can be considered violations.

🧾 Missing or Incomplete Forms? Don’t Panic!

If you discover that a form is missing or incomplete:

Act quickly. Complete the form immediately.
Avoid backdating. Always use the actual date you complete the form.
Document corrections. Any changes should be initialed and dated—no white-out allowed!

Store Smart 🗂️

Keep I-9s in a central, organized location, separate from personnel files if possible. Whether you choose paper or electronic storage, make sure it meets U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) standards for security and accessibility.

Be Audit-Ready 🔍

ICE can request your I-9 forms at any time with as little as three days’ notice. Be sure your forms are complete, accessible, and backed up. It is best to have a process in place before you ever receive a notice.

Dealing with False Documents 🛑

If an employee admits to using false documents in the past but now presents valid ones:

You may complete a new Form I-9 using the correct information.
Handle the situation with care and follow your internal policies consistently to avoid the risk of discrimination claims.

Reverification Matters 🔁

For employees with temporary work authorization, set calendar reminders to reverify their status before expiration. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Retention Rules 🧮

Keep I-9s for three years after the date of hire or one year after termination, whichever is later.
If you choose to keep copies of identity documents, apply this practice consistently for all employees.

Final Thoughts

I-9 compliance is more than just a form. It is a vital part of your business’s legal and ethical responsibility. A few simple steps can help you avoid costly missteps and protect your organization.

If you ever need guidance or support, the Grand Rapids Chamber is here to help you navigate the ins and outs of compliance. Let’s work together to keep our workplaces informed, inclusive, and compliant.

Want to read more about this topic? Check it out here:

Tiffany Ringold

HR Generalist, Grand Rapids Chamber

Chamber Issues Forum: Executive Orders & the Impact on the Workplace

Chamber Issues Forum at the Grand Rapids Chamber

Aida Dismondy, Senior Counsel at Warner Norcross + Judd, will break down recent executive orders and their impact on DEI, focusing on court decisions, the Department of Education, and DOJ guidelines. She’ll cover what’s required, what’s still possible, and what employers should keep in mind moving forward.

Hump Day Happy Hour

Join us the last Wednesday of the month from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for Hump Day Happy Hour!

The Grand Rapids Chamber hosts a monthly happy hour in our Work Café to build a sense of community between our members and staff. Gather ’round for free beer and food brought to you by our sponsors. Thank you to our food sponsor, Nonla Burger, and our beer fridge partner, Founders Brewing Co., for your support!