The need is real. Data shows that of the 11,000 plus businesses in the Greater Grand Rapids area making $250,000 in revenue or more, only 70 (.6%) are minority-owned. This accounts for only 2% of business revenue generated in the area.

Grand Rapids finds itself at or near the top of many lists, including one of the best cities to start a business. Yet it remains near the bottom for African American and Hispanic entrepreneurs.

These entrepreneurs struggle to receive the capacity building expertise, connections, and capital needed to scale.