Latest News & Blogs

Today, The Right Place, Inc., announced the promotion of its business development team member, Julie Burrell.

The Michigan Strategic Fund today approved two grant programs – the Michigan Small Business Survival Grants and the Michigan Stages Survival Grants – totaling $58.5 million in relief to help meet the urgent needs of small businesses and live event venues impacted by the COVID-19 virus, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated its epidemic order today to allow re-opening of additional activities where Michiganders can remain masked and socially distanced, as this has been scientifically shown to slow the virus. This includes indoor group exercise and non-contact sports. The new order is effective Saturday, Jan. 16 and will last until Sunday, Jan. 31.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) the week of January 11, 2021 for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

The Right Place, Inc. has appointed five new board members to the 2021 Right Place board of directors and accepted the retirement of five others.

Real estate brokerage Redfin has published its findings of the Most Competitive Neighborhoods of 2019, and two Grand Rapids locations were slated among the top 10.

The Right Place, Inc. announced that it has hired a new president & CEO to lead West Michigan’s premier economic development organization. After a national search that produced an extraordinarily talented pool of candidates, Randy Thelen, stood out and has been chosen by The Right Place Board of Directors as the new top executive.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has updated its epidemic order today to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, as this has been scientifically shown to slow the virus. This includes in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Casinos, bowling centers and movie theatres will be allowed to reopen with total capacity capped at 100; food and drink concessions closed; and social distancing requirements in place.

After nearly six years serving as The Right Place, Inc.’s Business Development Coordinator for Montcalm County, Kathy Jo VanderLaan has announced her retirement, effective December 31, 2020.

Michigan-based small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus may submit their applications for grants of up to $15,000 through the Pure Michigan Small Business Relief Initiative beginning at 9:00 a.m. EST tomorrow, Tuesday, December 15.