Align & Design Team™

Business Ownership

Their Mission:

To create a more inclusive and connected ecosystem that drives the growth of Black and Brown businesses and entrepreneurs in Kent County, expanding access to opportunities that lead to thriving family incomes.

Overview

Objective

To double businesses owned by people of color that surpass the $1M revenue mark by 2034. This equates to approx. 262 additional businesses.

Policy Connection
  • Access to Paid Family and Medical Leave

Current Work

KConnect is partnering with the Cincinnati Minority Business Accelerator to help more entrepreneurs of color in Kent County grow successful businesses. Together, we’re working to build a stronger support system that helps businesses scale, secure capital, connect with mentors, and access contracts, so that more local businesses owned by people of color can thrive and reach $1 million in annual revenue.

What We’re Doing

To create a more inclusive and connected ecosystem that drives the growth of Black and Brown businesses and entrepreneurs in Kent County, expanding access to opportunities that lead to thriving family incomes.

What Comes Next

To double businesses owned by people of color that surpass the $1M revenue mark by 2034. This equates to approx. 262 additional businesses.

Partners

W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Mindset Meals
Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation
GROW
West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
42 North Partners
Nationwide Software Solutions
Start Garden
Grand Rapids Department of Economic Development
West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Grand Rapids Urban League