Economic Development Launches New Website, Resources For Businesses

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The City of Grand Rapids’ Office of Economic Development announces the launch of its new website: www.GrowGR.org in addition to the release of an annual report video and impact report.

The City’s Office of Economic Development (EDD) is responsible for all business retention, expansion and attraction projects for the City of Grand Rapids. The department serves as an economic driver and catalyst for the region. It plays an important role as an investment partner with tailored resources and programs that support business investment and job growth.

The EDD team presented its annual report video and Impact Report to the City Commission in March, while introducing a redesigned website making it easier for businesses to navigate available economic development resources.

The new website: www.GrowGR.org, outlines information on services, boards and authorities, available incentives, as well as an annual report video. The video highlights the focus of EDD’s work in different neighborhoods in Grand Rapids and partnerships with community organizations, business and neighborhood associations, and other economic development organizations in the region.

EDD’s work is guided by the Equitable Economic Development and Mobility Strategic Plan, which provides recommendations on policies, programs and investments. The purpose of the plan is threefold:

• Identify and rank public investment related to economic development and mobility
• Guide greater efforts in transparency, communications and investments
• Increase access to opportunity with an emphasis on Neighborhoods of Focus

The strategies in the Plan focus on outcomes and operations through 2025.

Highlights of the Impact Report include $180M in private investments, 887 jobs impacted (new and retained) and 259 new housing units in 2020. All of these were increases from 2019.

“Despite a very challenging year dealing with the pandemic, our 2020 Impact Report confirms that businesses continue to make commitments and investments in our community,” said Jeremiah Gracia, economic development director. “They believe in Grand Rapids and the future economic impact to our community is clear.”

The City’s EDD team serves as business advocates ensuring that businesses have access to every program and resource available to them as they prepare to commit to - and invest in - Grand Rapids. Resources and contact information are available at www.GrowGR.org.

This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.