Starting and Running a Business in Grand Rapids
Are you excited to start your own business? You have a lot to think about, so we want to help you get started in the right direction. This guide is here to help you do just that.
Before you open for business, you’ll have certain requirements and paperwork to complete. Most businesses need a license from the City, County or State. We’ll get more in-depth on that under the Licenses and Permits section of this guide. Is your business still a concept? We also have information on local resources to help make your dream a reality.
Keep in mind that while we’ve included important information and resources in this guide, we may not have addressed the requirements for each situation. You're responsible for meeting all local, state, or federal requirements for your business. Any time you have a question, contact your local, state or federal agencies to ensure you haven’t missed a step.
Let’s get down to business!
Would you prefer to have a piece of paper that covers the basics of this guide? We also have a checklist you can print.
Checklist for Starting and Running a Business in Grand Rapids
Business Resources
Have you asked yourself if there is someone out there who can help you get started or grow your business? If you’re looking for answers, we can help. Check out these great resources available in our City:
The City of Grand Rapids
City of Grand Rapids
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
The City of Grand Rapids has an Equal Business Opportunity Program that enhances our suppliers in the following areas:
- Professional Services
- Goods and Services
- Construction
Micro Local Business Enterprise (MLBE)
We offer a variety of Bid Discounts for businesses looking to do business with the City. One in particular is our Micro Local Business Enterprise (MLBE) Certification, this FREE certification helps increase contracting with small local companies. To learn more about our MLBE Program, please contact our Office of Diversity and Inclusion for details.
Contact Information
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
businessopportunities@grcity.us
616-456-3027
The West Michigan Small Business Resource Guide
The City's Economic Development Department teamed up with local organizations to create this list of resources. Their goal is to enhance small business communities throughout the West Michigan area. Click here to take a look, you might find what you need.
Contact Information
Economic Development Department
616-456-3431
Michigan Small Business Development Center
The MI-SBDC is a non-profit organization funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. They provide services such as low-cost training, one-on-one counseling, and market research.
Contact Information
616-331-7370
West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative
This initiative gives new high tech ventures access to a variety of services to help grow your business. Whether you're in need of testing equipment in a controlled environment, business plan development, legal services, or market research, WMSTI is a one stop shop for your business.
Contact Information
616-331-5840
Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW)
GROW is an SBA funded, non-profit business center. They provide training and ongoing counseling for their clients. GROW also offers a microloan program for qualified individuals seeking a loan.
Here’s their mission: Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) is a service focused on women at various stages of business ownership. We are the entrepreneurial resource to help women take the next step, empowering and supporting them with professional expertise for a lifetime.
Contact Information
SCORE
Looking for advice from someone who’s been in your shoes? SCORE is a group of volunteers made up of active and retired business owners and executives. This non-profit organization offers free mentoring, business counseling and low-cost workshops. SCORE volunteers use their real life business experience to help your business thrive.
Contact Information
616-771-0305
Grand Rapids Public Library
Yes, the Library. The Library provides access to a variety of business information and resources, both on-site and via the internet. Dust off that Library Card, and use it to search online from any one of the Library's eight locations.
Contact Information
Small Business Resource Center
616-988-5400
Start Garden
Start Garden is a resource for Entrepreneurs starting with new ideas, start-ups, and existing small businesses. From local entrepreneur support to 5x5 Business Pitch Night to Venture Capital investment opportunities and more, this organization can offer support in many ways.
Contact Information
Michigan Economic Development Corp
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) works to attract new businesses and keep existing businesses in Michigan. They'll help your business with site location, financing, and employee recruiting and training. They also provide other resources and services.
Contact Information
888-522-0103
GR Chamber of Commerce
This group serves as a support organization for local businesses in Grand Rapids. The Chamber offers business services, advocacy and public policy, and talent development.
Contact Information
616-771-0300
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to working with all members of the community to increase the economic advancement of Hispanic owned business. They work to promote the professional growth of the Hispanic business leaders in West Michigan.
Contact Information
616-452-3960
Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB)
Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB) is a vehicle for economic development and empowerment in the Grand Rapids area. GRABB offers a black business directory, advocates for local businesses, and creates awareness to help businesses grow and become economically sustainable.
Contact Information
The Starting Block
The Starting Block is a home for individuals who want to take a special recipe to market or create a food or natural resource business. They provide entrepreneurs, producers, and processors properly equipped, licensed, and inspected food processing kitchens. The Starting Block gives aspiring businesses reasonable rentals without the initial investment in costly facilities and equipment.
Contact Information
The Right Place
The Right Place has assisted thousands of West Michigan companies to invest more than $4.7 billion and 44,000 new jobs throughout the area. The Right Place offers confidential, comprehensive business services. They meet with current and prospective companies, connecting them to the resources they need to grow in Grand Rapids.
Contact Information
616-771-0325
Grand Rapids Inventors Network (GRIN)
The Grand Rapids Inventors Network is a regional non-profit organization that helps its members advance their creative ideas. It's also a place where inventors, marketers, and creative people can learn and network. GRIN helps inventors help themselves through networking and experience-sharing with other inventors. The organization encourages and nurtures the new inventor towards professional growth and product realization.
Contact Information
Spring GR
SpringGR is a grassroots business training experience that uses the Business Codel Canvas(PDF, 581KB) (think of it like a road map for starting a business). They help entrepreneurs develop their idea or business. Over the course of 12 weeks, SpringGR brings people together in small groups, teaches the business process, and provides coaching.
Contact Information
Michigan Good Food Fund
Michigan Good Food Fund is a $30 million public-private partnership. This loan fund provides financing to good food enterprises who are working to increase access to affordable, healthy food in low-income and underserved communities in Michigan. This includes the range of businesses that grow, process, distribute, and sell healthy food that reaches those who need it most.
They provide flexible, patient financial assistance to good food enterprises often overlooked by traditional banks. Their lending is bolstered by business assistance to help entrepreneurs grow their ventures and prepare for financing.
