If you’ve been following the Good For Michigan program for a while, you know we’re all about helping companies start and continue their journey to a better business future. You might not know it, but your business could already be creating social prosperity, environmental reciprocity, and a more equitable world for future generations. We say it all the time: It’s not about perfection; it’s about the steps you take towards better practices.
We’ve learned that building a People First Economy takes more than a single action, one time. But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as changing everything all at once. We encourage you to instead think about a single action as the beginning of forming a habit. A good habit.
New habits take anywhere from 18 to 254 days to form, which is why we’re going to provide resources all year long.
Where to start
More than 150 businesses across the state have made a commitment to measuring their impact by using the SDG Baseline and B Impact Assessment. Why are businesses taking this step? Because companies that track their social, environmental and economic impact are 63% more likely to survive a recession (An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Certified B Corporations and Benefit Corporations). They also have a greater revenue growth and higher employee satisfaction.
These companies are modeling sustainability as a journey to improve their jobs, our planet, how they show up in a community, and how they keep themselves accountable. Resolve to be a business making strides and building a better business future. See who already has.
In 2024, People First Economy honored five businesses making the most positive impact in these areas through the Good For Michigan Awards.
Duncan Lake Speech Therapy (Grand Rapids) is on a mission to empower and affirm its clients and their families to achieve their personal communication goals through client-centered speech-language services. Duncan Lake Speech Therapy is Good For Governance!
Lakeshore Depot (Marquette) seeks to provide an efficient outlet for customers seeking to purchase local foods. The Depot is something of a cross between a grocery store and farmer’s market and offers a diverse variety of food and agricultural products from many local producers, processors and farmers. Lakeshore Depot is Good For Community!
Gentex Corporation (Zeeland) currently develops and manufactures custom high-tech electronic products for the automotive, aerospace, and commercial fire protection industries. Gentex is Good for Environment!
Edgewater Design Group (Petoskey) is a custom design and structural engineering firm that focuses on new construction as well as remodel & addition work primarily in Northern Michigan. Edgewater Design Group is Good for Workforce!
Miss Kim’s Jams/Madison Closet and Farm (Howell) began when its owner, Kim Pendygraft wanted to learn how to make her own jams free of dyes and chemical additives. Madison Closet and Farms is Good for Supply Chain!
One of these awards could have your business name on it in the future! Good For Michigan works to give participating businesses the tools necessary to lead their businesses into a powerful global movement towards a regenerative economy. Good business matters. Especially now. No matter where you are on your journey, we’ll meet you there. You just need to get started.
Need some inspiration? Check out this #throwback from 2018!
