Business Coalition to Launch Inaugural “Small Biz Week West Michigan” to Support and Celebrate Local Entrepreneurship
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A coalition of business support organizations is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Small Biz Week West Michigan. Taking place May 4 – 9, 2026 during National Small Business Week, the week-long series of events is designed to showcase the region’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and provide critical resources to the small businesses that serve as the backbone of the West Michigan economy.
Modeled directly after the “unconference” style of Tech Week Grand Rapids, Small Biz Week West Michigan is a community-wide initiative. Much like Tech Week GR has galvanized the technology sector, this week aims to create a high-visibility platform for the thousands of small businesses that drive local job creation and innovation.
The week is led by four primary organizers: the Michigan SBDC, the Grand Rapids Chamber, SCORE and Grow.
“West Michigan has proven that we are at our best when we collaborate across the community to lift up our small business innovators,” said Ed Garner, West Michigan Regional Director of the Michigan SBDC. “Small Biz Week West Michigan isn’t just an event, but a movement that connects every entrepreneur—from the Main Street shop owner to the student founder—with the resources they need to scale.”
A Week of High-Impact Events
Small Biz Week West Michigan will feature a diverse lineup of over 60 independent hosted events at venues across the region. Key highlights include:
- Chamber of Commerce Kickoff: A high-energy opening session featuring regional leaders and a keynote from Gina Thorsen, CEO of Stormy Kromer, celebrating the economic pride of West Michigan.
- Michigan SBDC Small Business Resource & Financing Fair : A “one-stop shop” where entrepreneurs can meet one-on-one with dozens of local, regional, and statewide service providers and lenders to explore business resources and funding options.
- Bank of America Economic Report: A deep dive into regional market trends and data-driven forecasting moderated by Paul Keifer, West Michigan Market President for Bank of America.
“Bank of America is committed to helping accelerate the region’s economic growth, powered by a successful and sustainable small business community,” said Paul Keifer, President, Bank of America West Michigan, the event’s premier sponsor. “Small Business Week will highlight top-performing thought leaders to help business owners engage experts and resources to build their business, and a great way to celebrate entrepreneurs in West Michigan.”
Small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and community supporters are encouraged to participate in this community-wide celebration. For the full schedule of events and to register to attend, please visit: https://smallbizweekwm.com/
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About the Organizers
Michigan SBDC
The Michigan Small Business Development Center (Michigan SBDC) provides no-cost consulting, training and research services to small businesses across the state. The Michigan SBDC is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of Michigan’s small businesses.
Michigan SBDC services are available through the support of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and are funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). All opinions, conclusions and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Grand Rapids Chamber
The Grand Rapids Chamber is the region’s largest business organization, advocating for a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all. Our 3,000 members range from small businesses to global corporations innovating to solve challenges, create opportunities, and drive the growth that improves lives in our community. The Chamber also works to develop strong leaders, advance a vibrant business environment, and create a welcoming, inclusive place to call home. www.grandrapids.org
Grow
Grow is a West Michigan-based Community Development Financial Institution dedicated to expanding economic opportunity through small business ownership. Founded in 1989 to support women entrepreneurs, GROW now offers SBA-backed microloans, financial training, and business counseling to underrepresented entrepreneurs across the region. growbusiness.org
SCORE
SCORE is the nation’s largest network of volunteer business mentors, offering free, confidential guidance to small business owners nationwide. With more than 10,000 volunteers, SCORE has supported over 17 million entrepreneurs since 1964 through mentorship, training, and resource development. score.org