• Small Business Resource Fair

    Register to attend the free Small Business Resource Fair in Grand Rapids. We’re bringing you the resources you need to start or scale your business – all in one place! Date: Thursday, May 4, 2023, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Location: Center for Community Transformation, 1530 Madison Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

  • ILL-Natured: Nature’s Poisonous Beauties and Venomous Beasts Art Opening Night!

    Join us to meet and greet the Michigan artists for their opening night of our latest art exhibition, ILL-NATURED: Nature's Poisonous Beauties & Venomous Beasts! First Friday Art Opening Friday, May 5th 6 to 8pm Meet the artists Open to the public, family Friendly Ongoing Exhibition The art from this group show will be on exhibit until July […]

  • May Coffee Hour

    This year, Bloom Credit Union, Grow and the People First Economy’s Local First program are partnering for two of Local First’s regular Coffee Hour events, powered by Bloom Credit Union. Our Coffee Hour events will now offer an opportunity for businesses participating in services from both Grow and Local First to mix during the months of May and […]

  • Donuts & Digital

    Who can resist delicious donuts, hot coffee, and good company? That's right, we've expanded our D&D meetups to accommodate those early risers! You know who you are. Join a growing community of West Michigan-based marketers, artists, freelancers, and communications professionals. Collaborate, network, and exchange ideas and career possibilities. Mingle and discuss strategy, design, freelancing, sales, and all […]

  • 3rd Thursdays

    3rd Thursdays

    Sip. Shop. Stroll. Third Thursdays is a multi-venue showcase of locally owned art galleries, retail spaces, restaurants, and cultural institutions along the free DASH shuttle route.  It spans the neighborhoods […]

  • World Turtle Day

    Shellebrate Michigan's native turtles with John Ball Zoo! There will be entertaining educational activities to help increase attention and knowledge about these amazing reptiles. Catch animal programs, keeper chats, and […]

  • Heritage Hill 52nd Annual Weekend Tour of Homes

    In its 52nd year, one of the largest urban historic neighborhoods in the country opens its doors for a sneak peek into private homes and rarely seen public spaces during the Annual Heritage Hill Weekend Tour of Homes. A variety of architectural styles will be on display, including a grand neoclassical beauty with an extraordinary […]

  • Summer Spectacular

    Let the summer festivities begin!Just like you, John Ball Zoo can’t wait for all those summer time activities, so we decided to celebrate it! Join us and enjoy live music, animal activities, and specialty food for that festival feel.

  • Local First Workshop: Building Wealth & Impact in Your Small Business

    Join us as we discuss ways to create a sustainable future for your business through cooperative ownership models. We've partnered with the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership to address how employee ownership models strengthen workforce attraction and retention as well as long-term business planning for various industries. Here's what to expect from this interactive workshop, led by […]

  • June Coffee Hour

    The Local First Coffee Hour events are a casual opportunity to connect with member businesses, hear about our upcoming programs, and learn how to build an economy that puts people first. We host them monthly with the support of Bloom Credit Union. Host highlight: GRCM is two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs that inspire […]

  • Loving Day Celebration

    Loving Day CelebrationJune 10, 2023    *   11am-4pmGrand Rapids Children's MuseumEbony Road Players, in partnership with the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, presents "Faces of Family: Sowing Seeds of Love." Part of the 9th Annual West Michigan's Loving Day Celebration, this festival-style celebration will include fun activities, art and entertainment for the whole family. All outdoor activities […]

  • World Ocean Day

    Today the beach is coming to the Zoo! Catch your favorite ocean characters, Moana, Ariel & Friends, as they help us celebrate and learn about the water and the many animals that live in it. Keep an eye out for educational activities, animal programs, keeper chats, and more!

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