Coalition proposes that no family pay more than 7% of their income for child care
Universal Childcare without Conditions centers affordability for families and sustainability for providers.
Economic Development
Coverage of projects, big and small, and the people who create them, which promote the economic health of a community, including manufacturing, retail, office, and hospitality developments.
Latest in Economic Development
A new idea for the healthcare industry wins $100K at Cultivate 269 student pitch contest
A Western Michigan University graduate student won $100,000 in a Kalamazoo pitch competition for his AI-powered medical language platform, highlighting the region’s growing support for student entrepreneurs and high-impact startups.
Vintage clothing finds new life in Constantine’s historic heart
A new shop devoted to vintage clothing has opened in downtown Constantine, where owner Stacy Synstelien is turning decades of collecting and retail therapy into a small-town business rooted in history.
Housing pros answer the question: Are these places really affordable?
How do you define "affordable housing"? It turns out there is a precise definition.
Kalamazoo Women2Women builds connections, fuels growth for local businesswomen
Kalamazoo Women2Women, a growing local network founded in 2016, is fostering mentorship, collaboration, and business growth by connecting professional women across industries in a supportive, no-dues environment.
Plunge, sweat, connect: House of Plunge brings contrast therapy to Benton Harbor
House of Plunge in Benton Harbor’s Arts District combines cold plunges, saunas, and recovery therapies as a one-stop shop for “feeling darn good.”
Collaborative collisions: Entrepreneurs ‘Reach Forward’ to find new opportunities and connections in Kalamazoo
The Reach Forward Conversations Event brought local entrepreneurs, product sellers, and buyers together to spark connections that could lead to contracts, growth opportunities, and stronger small-business networks in the Kalamazoo area.
A sweet solution to a serious employment gap: DelectAble Treats and Sweets emphasizes Able
In Battle Creek, Felicia Jaramillo opened DelectAble Treats and Sweets to create jobs for people with disabilities, inspired by her sons and her own recovery journey.
Day-to-day interactions with happy customers keeps Pastrami Joe’s owner going
In 2022, Andrew Scibbe’ purchased Pastrami Joe’s Deli in Marshall. Two years later, he reopened a second location in downtown Battle Creek.
Four griddles and a dream: Full of Crepe finds its sweet spot in St. Joe
A family-owned creperie, Full of Crepe, has brought sweet and savory crepes — and a touch of Italian espresso — to downtown St. Joseph, quickly becoming a local favorite.
A new idea for the healthcare industry wins $100K at Cultivate 269 student pitch contest
A Western Michigan University graduate student won $100,000 in a Kalamazoo pitch competition for his AI-powered medical language platform, highlighting the region’s growing support for student entrepreneurs and high-impact startups.
Vintage clothing finds new life in Constantine’s historic heart
A new shop devoted to vintage clothing has opened in downtown Constantine, where owner Stacy Synstelien is turning decades of collecting and retail therapy into a small-town business rooted in history.
Housing pros answer the question: Are these places really affordable?
How do you define "affordable housing"? It turns out there is a precise definition.
Kalamazoo Women2Women builds connections, fuels growth for local businesswomen
Kalamazoo Women2Women, a growing local network founded in 2016, is fostering mentorship, collaboration, and business growth by connecting professional women across industries in a supportive, no-dues environment.
Plunge, sweat, connect: House of Plunge brings contrast therapy to Benton Harbor
House of Plunge in Benton Harbor’s Arts District combines cold plunges, saunas, and recovery therapies as a one-stop shop for “feeling darn good.”
Collaborative collisions: Entrepreneurs ‘Reach Forward’ to find new opportunities and connections in Kalamazoo
The Reach Forward Conversations Event brought local entrepreneurs, product sellers, and buyers together to spark connections that could lead to contracts, growth opportunities, and stronger small-business networks in the Kalamazoo area.
A sweet solution to a serious employment gap: DelectAble Treats and Sweets emphasizes Able
In Battle Creek, Felicia Jaramillo opened DelectAble Treats and Sweets to create jobs for people with disabilities, inspired by her sons and her own recovery journey.
Day-to-day interactions with happy customers keeps Pastrami Joe’s owner going
In 2022, Andrew Scibbe’ purchased Pastrami Joe’s Deli in Marshall. Two years later, he reopened a second location in downtown Battle Creek.
Four griddles and a dream: Full of Crepe finds its sweet spot in St. Joe
A family-owned creperie, Full of Crepe, has brought sweet and savory crepes — and a touch of Italian espresso — to downtown St. Joseph, quickly becoming a local favorite.
