Grand Rapids Business News
BUSINESS NEWS
Grand Rapids Community College Launches New AI Degree Program
News Summary Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) has launched an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences degree program focused on artificial intelligence (AI). This new curriculum includes specialized courses in...
Toasted Pickle Expands with New Grand Rapids Location
News Summary The Toasted Pickle, known for its inventive sandwiches, has opened its third location in Grand Rapids. Celebrating its soft opening, the new eatery features a diverse menu with...
Grand Rapids Planning Commission Approves Expansion for Matthew’s House Ministry
News Summary The Grand Rapids Planning Commission has granted a special land use permit to Matthew’s House Ministry for expanding operations at a new location. Despite community opposition, the new...
New Residential Neighborhood Planned in Wyoming, MI
News Summary A new residential neighborhood with 207 homes is being proposed in Wyoming, Michigan, across from Grand View Elementary School. Spearheaded by Paramount Development Corporation, the community will feature...
Matthew’s House Ministry Relocates to New Facility in Grand Rapids
News Summary The Grand Rapids Planning Commission has approved Matthew’s House Ministry’s relocation to a larger facility on Leonard St. NW. This expansion will enhance services for homeless and low-income...
Lucy’s Named Best Breakfast Spot in Grand Rapids Poll
News Summary In an annual poll by the Best of GR competition, Grand Rapids residents voted Lucy’s as their favorite breakfast spot. Known for its locally sourced menu, Lucy’s outshone...
Grand Rapids Welcomes New Vegan Brunch Spot Fika
News Summary Fika, a new vegan and gluten-free brunch restaurant, has opened in Grand Rapids. Located in the Lofts on Grove, it offers a variety of plant-based breakfast and lunch...
Grand Rapids Approves Comprehensive Climate Action Plan
News Summary The Grand Rapids City Commission has approved the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), detailing initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance sustainability. While the plan aims...
Toasted Pickle Opens New Location in Grand Rapids
News Summary Toasted Pickle has opened its first location in Grand Rapids, joining existing restaurants in Rockford and Grand Haven. Situated at 820 Michigan Street, the new eatery features a...
Finance
HNI Corporation to Acquire Steelcase in $2.2 Billion Deal
News Summary HNI Corporation has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Steelcase Inc. in a $2.2 billion transaction. This significant merger aims to consolidate two major players in the office...
Utz Brands to Close Grand Rapids Facility by 2026
News Summary Utz Brands Inc. has announced the closure of its Grand Rapids facility by early 2026 as part of a strategic consolidation of manufacturing operations. This transition will significantly...
West Michigan Businesses Awarded Grants for Growth
News Summary More than 20 businesses in West Michigan received $25,000 each through the state’s Match on Main program to support their growth. This initiative aims to strengthen local economies...
UFP Industries Reports Disappointing Second-Quarter Earnings
News Summary UFP Industries, Inc. announced its second-quarter earnings revealing a profit of $100.7 million, falling short of analysts’ expectations. Despite the disappointing earnings, the company experienced strong revenue growth...
Independent Bank Corp. Reports Strong Q2 Earnings
News Summary Independent Bank Corp. has delivered impressive second-quarter earnings of $16.9 million, exceeding analysts’ forecasts. However, the bank’s revenue fell short of estimates at $78.2 million, despite a year-over-year...
New Community Transformation Fund Invests in Minority-Owned Businesses
News Summary The New Community Transformation Fund (NCTF) has announced new investments in four minority-owned businesses, reflecting its ongoing commitment to diversity and economic growth in Michigan. The invested companies...
Mercantile Bank Reports Strong Q2 Earnings and Plans Acquisition
News Summary Mercantile Bank Corp. has reported a net income of $22.6 million for the second quarter of 2025, exceeding Wall Street expectations. The bank plans to acquire Eastern Michigan...
Grand Rapids Secures $47.5 Million for Wire Fraud Protection
News Summary CertifID, a wire fraud protection platform based in Grand Rapids, secures $47.5 million in Series C funding. The investment aims to enhance capabilities in identity verification, transaction monitoring,...
Grand Rapids Schools Cut Positions Amid Budget Struggles
News Summary Grand Rapids Public Schools has announced the elimination of 25 positions due to severe budget constraints exacerbated by rising living costs. Superintendent Leadriane Roby communicated these challenges in...
CONSTRUCTION
Best ERP for Commercial Construction in Grand Rapids, MI (2025 Case Study)
Grand Rapids, MI, Aug 5, 2025 Best ERP for Commercial Construction Firms in Grand Rapids, MI: Enhance Project Management with CMiC ERP For commercial construction firms in Grand Rapids, MI,...
HNI Corporation to Acquire Steelcase in $2.2 Billion Deal
News Summary HNI Corporation has reached a definitive agreement to acquire Steelcase Inc. in a $2.2 billion transaction. This significant merger aims to consolidate two major players in the office...
Jenison to Expand with New Journey Construction Project
News Summary Journey Construction Group LLC is launching a $3 million project to expand its headquarters in Jenison, including a new 15,521-square-foot office and warehouse. The project aims to fulfill...
West Michigan Businesses Awarded Grants for Growth
News Summary More than 20 businesses in West Michigan received $25,000 each through the state’s Match on Main program to support their growth. This initiative aims to strengthen local economies...
UFP Industries Reports Disappointing Second-Quarter Earnings
News Summary UFP Industries, Inc. announced its second-quarter earnings revealing a profit of $100.7 million, falling short of analysts’ expectations. Despite the disappointing earnings, the company experienced strong revenue growth...
Grand Rapids Area Secures $78.9 Million for Housing Developments
News Summary Three major housing developments in the Grand Rapids area have been granted a total of $78.9 million in loans by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. These projects...
CWD Real Estate to Transform Fifth Third Bank Building into Apartments
News Summary CWD Real Estate is initiating a significant renovation of the Fifth Third Bank building in downtown Grand Rapids, converting office spaces into residential apartments. This project aims to...
Grand Rapids to Transform Vacant Grocery Store into Apartment Complex
News Summary Plans are underway in Grand Rapids for the demolition of a vacant grocery store, previously known as Duthler’s, to make way for a new mixed-income apartment complex. The...
Grand Rapids Launches MLBE Bonding Pilot Program
News Summary Grand Rapids is implementing a two-year Micro Local Business Enterprise (MLBE) Bonding Pilot Program to enhance the bonding capacity of certified small construction businesses. Designed to help emerging...
Marketing
Comcast RISE Program Offers $3 Million Grant to Small Businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon
News Summary Small businesses in Grand Rapids and Muskegon can apply for a grant package through the Comcast RISE program, which has allocated $3 million to support their growth. The...
Real Estate
Detroit City FC Announces New Stadium Plans in Corktown
News Summary The Detroit City Football Club (DCFC) has revealed plans for AlumniFi Field, a $150 million stadium in Corktown, slated for completion by spring 2027. The project includes a...
Governor Whitmer Enacts Key Legislation to Support Michigan
News Summary Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed three significant legislative bills aimed at easing the burden on small businesses and honoring fallen service members in Michigan. Among these, House Bill...
Troy’s Diverse Economy and Recreational Offerings Shine
News Summary Troy, Michigan, recognized for its robust economy and diverse housing options, offers over 400 acres of parkland and engaging recreational facilities. The city’s ongoing developments, including community centers...
Town Hall Meeting Addresses Tariffs Impact on Automotive Industry
News Summary On August 14, 2025, a town hall meeting at Madonna University highlighted the negative impacts of tariffs on the automotive sector. U.S. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib led a discussion...
New ‘Make My Move’ Program Benefits Homebuyers in Southwest Michigan
News Summary A new initiative, the ‘Make My Move’ program, launched in May 2025, is offering $5,000 in down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers in Southwest Michigan. Targeting Van Buren,...
Michigan Study Shows Shift to Local Spending Can Boost Economy
News Summary A recent study by the Michigan Retailers Association reveals that redirecting just 10% of online spending to local businesses could yield 12,000 new jobs and $1.1 billion in...
Michigan’s Cannabis Market Faces Oversupply Crisis
News Summary Michigan’s cannabis market is in crisis, experiencing a notable oversupply and declining sales. Total cannabis sales dropped to $261.1 million in June 2025, with medical marijuana sales plummeting...
Six Spoke Brewing Co. Opens New Location in Corktown, Detroit
News Summary Six Spoke Brewing Co. is set to open a new brewery in Corktown, Detroit on August 8, 2025. The grand opening weekend will offer a variety of activities,...
Onyx Partners Acquires 119 JCPenney Stores for $947 Million
News Summary Onyx Partners Ltd., a Boston-based private equity firm, has announced its acquisition of 119 JCPenney stores for $947 million. The all-cash deal, set to close by September 8,...
