Image quote is from “A Revolution of Values” (1967)
A few weeks ago, I was asked to comment on a Crain’s Grand Rapids Business article about local businesses closing their doors in solidarity with protests responding to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement being weaponized as a tool to spread fear and inflict pain on communities viewed as political opponents. Unfortunately, I did not hear the voicemail in time and responded the following day, after the article had already been published. It makes sense to expand on that late email response and share the reflection here.
What we’re seeing from local businesses is an important expansion of what it means to have a “business voice.” Too often, that phrase is limited to trade groups, expensive lobbying, or policy statements framed by entities influential enough to hire those lobbyists and internal government relations teams. History shows us that economic participation itself has always been a form of civic engagement. I recently returned to Michigan after a visit to Alabama. The Montgomery Bus Boycott is a powerful reminder that coordinated economic action, even when it carries real cost, can be a legitimate and effective way to challenge injustice and shift public narratives. Every local dollar we spend is a vote for the type of world we want to live in.
What made the bus boycott successful was not symbolic gestures, but collective, values-aligned action that acknowledged sacrifice, built mutual support, and stayed rooted in moral clarity over time. Businesses that are choosing to close, speak out, or participate in protests are engaging in that same tradition. They are signaling that profitability and responsibility are not opposing forces, and that values do not stop at the shop door. We need to continue encouraging entrepreneurs to use their business voice collectively as a force for good.
It is also important to name what is often missing from the public conversation. Many immigrant-led businesses deeply want to support these efforts but hesitate out of fear. Immigrant entrepreneurs regularly face threats of ICE being called on them, and nationwide raids create real economic harm in vulnerable communities. This includes fear-driven labor disruptions and racial profiling that impacts U.S. citizens. The structure of national raids and official government narratives are strategic and designed to induce widespread fear. In many Michigan communities, the social signals sent to entrepreneurs and small business owners encourage silence out of concern for profit. At People First Economy, we do not judge those who are unable to participate, but we celebrate anyone advocating for an economy that centers community and care.
This reality makes visible leadership from established businesses even more critical. When some businesses take on public risk, they help widen the space for others to engage more safely and expand who gets to be seen as part of the business community.
Image quote is from “The Theory of Moral Sentiments” (1759)
The economic risk is 100% real. At People First Economy, we have lost funding for speaking up in favor of investing in our families through policies like Paid Leave, Earned Paid Sick Time, and Investing in our children. Black- and Brown-led economic development organizations and smaller chambers of commerce are regularly discouraged from leading on policy by funders and corporate partners across Michigan. We do not see the same expectations placed on our larger counterparts. The same message is sent to local entrepreneurs of all backgrounds. This messaging extends across our nonprofit sector as a whole. It is a more regular and open occurrence in West Michigan, but I also see it through our work in Detroit.
The civic religion built into our political systems and funding structures forces us into collective narratives where we make excuses for harm or remain silent. It does not have to be this way. Fear-based anti-immigrant narratives are an attack on our local economy, our dignity, and our collective humanity. Positioning Paid Leave and Paid Sick Time as problematic is an attack on our local economy and our most vulnerable populations. Strong investment in communities and protecting nature are as vital to our economic infrastructure as tax breaks for enterprises that can lead to job creation and innovation. Both should have a place in our ecosystem. We can do better than building policy that privatizes profits while socializing the costs.
Image quote is from “Loaves and Fishes” (1963)
At People First Economy, we believe this moment calls for more businesses to engage in thoughtful, coordinated, values-aligned advocacy. This work is not easy or cost-free, but resilient local economies depend on dignity, trust, and the full participation of all people who make our communities work. We believe strong businesses, thriving families, and environmental wellbeing are inseparable. Our hope is that bold and innovative businesses help ensure their role in wealth creation leads to shared prosperity that stays local, supports workers, and protects the systems future generations depend on. What we are seeing in Grand Rapids can serve as a springboard for reimagining what it means to be an entrepreneur and for bringing to light the quiet leadership that so often comes from local business owners across the country.
With Purpose and Passion,
Carlos
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Carlos Martinez (he/him) has served as President of People First Economy since January 2024. He has extensive experience in economic development, higher education, community engagement, and global partnerships. Carlos champions the creation of an inclusive, equitable, and circular economy deeply rooted in community care.
