Latest News & Blogs
![A collage of four images side-by-side. Starting from the left - first image, someone hiking. Second image, someone parasailing, third image someone fishing on a lake, fourth image someone on a snow covered hill.](/imager/rightplace_nyc3_cdn_digitaloceanspaces_com/production/uploads/images/Outdoor-Pitch-Event_8dc4468b817caf46fc796da2175b2394.jpg)
First-of-a-kind pitch competition for outdoor recreation businesses nets $5,000 prize packages for 5 West Michigan businesses
The first-of-its-kind pitch competition focused on providing growth opportunities to outdoor recreation small businesses. Entrepreneurs from Oceana, Newaygo, Lake and Mason Counties were invited to submit their ideas for consideration. Seven finalists were chosen to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges via Zoom on October 27. The top five participants received $5,000 worth of business support services to help advance their business idea.
![A collage of four images side-by-side. Starting from the left - first image, someone hiking. Second image, someone parasailing, third image someone fishing on a lake, fourth image someone on a snow covered hill.](https://rightplace.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/default__news-post.png)
The Right Place debuts new county partnership model to amplify regional economic development efforts
The Right Place has announced it will debut a new and improved model of regional economic development partnerships in 2022 for participating counties across West Michigan. The new format is expected to amplify economic development efforts across the region by empowering full-time county executive directors to drive long-term growth opportunities with the support of The Right Place.
![Doctor discussing vaccine information with patient](/imager/rightplace_nyc3_cdn_digitaloceanspaces_com/production/uploads/images/CHC-Newaygo-Expansion-Banner_8dc4468b817caf46fc796da2175b2394.png)
Christian Healthcare Centers announces Newaygo expansion
Today, Christian Healthcare Centers (CHC), a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit medical services organization, and The Right Place, Inc. announced CHC’s plans to open a new office at 53 West Wood Street in the City of Newaygo.
![Pitch North 2021 Finalist Social Graphic](/imager/rightplace_nyc3_cdn_digitaloceanspaces_com/production/uploads/images/Pitch-North-2021-Finalist-Social-Graphic_8dc4468b817caf46fc796da2175b2394.png)
Five local entrepreneurs win business capital as Pitch North 2021 finalists
Five entrepreneurs local to Newaygo and Oceana County pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges and an audience of nearly 50 people at the third annual Pitch North competition held Tuesday, June 8th via ZOOM. The individuals competed for a chance to win over $10,000 in cash and other prizes to help bring their ideas to life.
![Pitch North 2021 Finalist Social Graphic](/imager/rightplace_nyc3_cdn_digitaloceanspaces_com/production/uploads/images/Pitch-North-2021-Finalist-Social-Graphic_8dc4468b817caf46fc796da2175b2394.png)
Local entrepreneurs selected as finalists for third annual Pitch North competition
Five local entrepreneurs have been chosen to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges during the third annual Pitch North competition. Pitch North is Newaygo County’s first-of-its-kind entrepreneurial pitching competition where entrepreneurs living in Newaygo, Oceana and Lake Counties are able to pitch their ideas for a chance at one of five cash prizes.
![Thank you for shopping local sign](/imager/rightplace_nyc3_cdn_digitaloceanspaces_com/production/uploads/images/Rural-Entrepreneurship_8dc4468b817caf46fc796da2175b2394.png)
How entrepreneurship is driving economic growth in rural communities
Entrepreneurship is the lifeblood of every community and is especially critical to the future prosperity of our rural towns.
![Thank you for shopping local sign](https://rightplace.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/images/default__news-post.png)
Entrepreneurial pitch competition enters third year, continues to grow
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.
![Gr city night bridge](/imager/rightplace_nyc3_cdn_digitaloceanspaces_com/production/uploads/images/gr-city-night-bridge_8dc4468b817caf46fc796da2175b2394.jpg)
The Right Place, Inc. and its regional partners distribute nearly $5M in emergency grant funding
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.
![Blue Bridge in Grand Rapids](/imager/rightplace_nyc3_cdn_digitaloceanspaces_com/production/uploads/images/Grand-Rapids-Blue-Bridge-SM-size_8dc4468b817caf46fc796da2175b2394.jpg)
The Right Place, Inc. distributes over $9M in emergency grant funds
Today The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and regional partners, announced that 1,060 small businesses have been awarded over $9M in grant funding. These grants were awarded to eligible West Michigan small businesses who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
![Fremont Chamber background](/imager/rightplace_nyc3_cdn_digitaloceanspaces_com/production/uploads/images/Fremont-Chamber-background_8dc4468b817caf46fc796da2175b2394.jpg)
Gerber Products to Expand Fremont Manufacturing Facility
Today, The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), Newaygo County, and the City of Fremont, announced that Gerber Products will be investing $36 million and creating approximately 50 additional jobs.