November 10th, 2026

Greater Grand Rapids companies report stronger sales, hiring, and expansion plans heading into 2027

Fall 2026 outreach shows more companies growing than in the spring

More Greater Grand Rapids companies are reporting rising sales, plans to expand and growing headcounts than earlier this year, according to The Right Place’s fall 2026 Business Insights Visits. Sales remain the top challenge business leaders cite, but more companies are planning to grow in the coming years.

From late September into October, The Right Place team completed 151 visits with organizations across the region. The findings below are based on 126 business development visits.

Key findings:

Sales Trends

Response

Spring 2026

Fall 2026

Decreasing

10%

8%

Increasing

61%

77%

Stable

28%

15%

  • 77% of companies reported increasing sales, up from 61% in the spring (March and April 2026) and 66% in fall 2025.
  • Only 8% reported decreasing sales.

Plans to Expand

Response

Spring 2026

Fall 2026

No

50%

45%

Yes

50%

55%

  • 55% of companies reported plans to expand, up from 50% in the spring and 38% in fall 2025.

West Michigan Employment Trends

Response

Spring 2026

Fall 2026

Increasing

46%

51%

Stable

41%

46%

Decreasing

13%

3%

  • 51% of companies reported increasing employment in West Michigan, up from 46% in the spring.
  • Only 3% reported decreasing employment, down from 13% in the spring.

Top pinch points:

  • Sales (22%), also the top pinch point in spring 2026 (24%)
  • Other (21%)
  • Customer issues and facility issues, tied (10% each)

The results are also stronger than a year ago. In fall 2025, only 38% of companies reported plans to expand. Companies grew more optimistic in the spring despite economic uncertainty, and this fall more of them are reporting stronger sales.

Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding.

About The Right Place Business Insights Visits

Twice a year, the entire team at The Right Place spends roughly five weeks meeting with as many local companies as possible. We ask what’s going well and if they are facing any challenges, then connect them with resources that can help. The team meets with over 500 companies each year. Individual company responses are kept confidential and reported only in aggregate.