Latest News & Blogs
The Right Place launches Diverse Business Directory for Greater Grand Rapids
A filterable online directory of minority, women, veteran and LGBTQ+ owned businesses operating in the 13-county region.
Building an Inclusive West Michigan
In partnership with the Brookings Institution, The Right Place had the privilege of joining a cohort of cities across the country to participate in Brookings’ Inclusive Learning Lab to identify and explore the barriers that threaten to erode the competitiveness of our regional economy.
New Grand Rapids venture fund closer to making first investments in companies owned by people of color
One year after announcing a venture fund aimed at boosting businesses owned by people of color in West Michigan, New Community Transformation Fund (NCTF) is nearing the first organizational milestone of raising $10 million, thanks to a substantial investment Bank of America announced today that it will make.
The Right Place, Inc. named Corp! 2020 Salute to Diversity Award winner
Well-known business publication, Corp! Magazine, has named The Right Place, Inc. as one of its 2020 Salute to Diversity Award winners.
Navigate 2020: Sisters Who Lead Study Results
During this Navigate 2020 webinar, Cohen and Sosa VerDuin share the results of their latest study for the first time and provide employers with new data to use in rethinking talent attraction, retention, and promotion.
Our commitment to West Michigan's communities of color
In The Right Place’s role as the regional economic development organization, we often talk about what makes this community the ‘right place’ for businesses to grow and create jobs. Without a doubt, there are many reasons to live and do business in West Michigan - which tends to make these conversations straightforward. However, as the events of these past several days have brought to light, there are also painful realities being experienced by our communities of color that we must address.
Bank of America, the Consumers Energy Foundation and The Right Place, Inc. Announce Development of New Venture Fund
Leaders at Bank of America, the Consumers Energy Foundation, and The Right Place, Inc. will be developing the New Community Transformation Fund. This will be an investment fund based in Grand Rapids, Michigan to support diverse business owners. The fund aims to increase ethnic and racial diversity in business ownership in West Michigan.
West Michigan Dataconomy: Grand Rapids growth per Brookings’ 2019 Metro Monitor Report
The goal of the Metro Monitor is to deepen understanding of economic success by thinking beyond growth alone. The report more broadly evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of America’s metros, measuring them at a regional level to provide valuable insights into the parts that make up the whole of each state. This year’s edition of the Metro Monitor focuses on trends in Growth, Prosperity, and Inclusion (including race) for the 100 largest U.S. metro areas.
The importance of supplier diversity
In 2015, Forbes named Grand Rapids as the second worst city in the nation for African Americans to prosper. This came as a stark contrast to the long list of accolades the region receives on an annual basis. Our community has been tackling this topic head-on, but there is still a lot more work to be done. Which is why The Right Place recently hosted an Investor Breakfast at the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT) on the topic of Supplier Diversity.
Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige addresses diversity and inclusion at The Right Place, Inc. Investor Breakfast
The final Investor Breakfast of 2018 featured Chief Diversity Officer at Calvin College, Dr. Michelle Loyd-Paige, who spoke to investors on the topic of diversity and inclusion. Her presentation, Creating Effective and Inclusive Talent and Retention Strategies, addressed common struggles and mistakes made by businesses attempting to embrace a more inclusive culture.
