Latest News & Blogs

Newaygo County’s first-of-its-kind entrepreneurial pitching competition, Pitch North, is returning for its third year bigger than ever before. Entrepreneurs living in Newaygo, Oceana and Lake Counties will once again have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to compete for one of many cash prizes up for grabs.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its Gatherings and Mask epidemic order, allowing up to 20% capacity in outdoor stadiums and arenas that establish infection control plans. The update also increases testing for youth ages 13-19 to ensure athletes can safely participate in sports. The changes are designed to balance day-to-day activities while controlling the spread of COVID-19 and saving Michiganders' lives.

While 2020 may be in the rearview mirror, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge manufacturers, forcing them to find creative solutions to new and old problems alike. Once again, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – West and The Right Place Inc. have partnered with MiBiz to host a new webinar series in 2021 to assist small- and medium-size manufactures in navigating the ever-changing business landscape.

To continue progress toward state’s goal of vaccinating 70% of Michiganders over age 16 and bringing a quicker end to the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) officials today announced the state is expanding vaccination eligibility for Michiganders ages 16 and older with disabilities or medical conditions that put them at high risk of negative COVID-19 outcome beginning Monday, March 22.

Michigan has been ranked as the no. 1 state for fastest FDI jobs growth over the past five years, according to Global Business Association’s most recent national trends analysis

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated two of its epidemic orders, allowing for increased capacity limits at various venues, larger residential and nonresidential gatherings and expanded visitation opportunities at residential care facilities. Changes are designed to balance reopening while controlling the spread of COVID-19 and save Michiganders’ lives.

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.

Today The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and regional partners, announced that 426 small businesses have been awarded $4.98M in grant funding. These grants were awarded to eligible West Michigan small businesses who have been negatively impacted by the recent Michigan Department of Health and Human Services epidemic orders.

In December 2020, The Right Place hosted the 24^th Annual Economic Outlook for West Michigan. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was hosted virtually for the first time since the series began.

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.