Greater Grand Rapids companies signal expansion optimism despite ongoing sales pressures

Business leaders throughout the greater Grand Rapids region remain cautious about sales, but a growing number are planning to expand, a significant jump from last fall’s Right Place outreach. These findings come from the organization’s Spring 2026 Business Insights Visits, during which staff met with just over 180 organizations across the region in March and April.

“The candid feedback we received during our recent business outreach meetings helps inform where our work should focus while giving us a real-time glimpse of how the regional economy is performing,” said Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place. “Sales remain a top concern. Fewer companies reported growth this spring compared to last fall, and many cited continued uncertainties. Despite that, companies are still looking to expand and increase hiring.”

Key findings from The Right Place 2026 Business Insights Snapshot:

• 61% of companies cited increasing sales, down from 66% last snapshot
• 10% cited decreasing sales, a slight increase from 9% last snapshot

• 50% of companies have plans to expand, up from 38% last snapshot

• 46% of companies said they were increasing hiring compared to 41% last snapshot
• 13% said they were decreasing hiring compared to 8% last snapshot

The figures above reflect 154 company visits from this spring's outreach, the remaining meetings included educational institutions, municipalities, and other community-based organizations. The companies surveyed were predominantly small and mid-sized businesses, nearly three-quarters employed fewer than 100 people, and roughly half reported annual revenues under $10 million. About 38% fell in the mid-market range, with annual sales between $10 million and $100 million.

About The Right Place Business Insight Visits

Twice each year, in the spring and fall, The Right Place conducts focused outreach efforts as part of a broader commitment to meeting with an average of 500 local companies throughout the year. During these visits, Right Place team members connect with company leaders about their plans, the barriers to growth they face, and the resources available to help them thrive. While individual meeting details remain confidential, quantitative data is gathered in aggregate to provide a snapshot of regional business sentiment. The figures in this release reflect company visits only and exclude meetings with educational institutions, municipalities, and other community-based organizations.

The Right Place serves businesses across Kent, Ionia, Mason, Montcalm, Newaygo, Lake, and Oceana counties, with a primary focus on the advanced manufacturing, technology, and health sciences industries.