“Create opportunity on ramps. Right now, these opportunities are not visible to them.”
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. economic opportunity program manager James Peacock III wants to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses along the Grand River.
“Give entrepreneurs the opportunity to create those things that we aren’t thinking about.”
The new amphitheater, greenway trail system, Restore the Rapids project and proposed three tower Fulton and Market development are transforming the riverfront in big ways; Peacock says that in turn creates small business opportunities.
“Economic opportunities in retail, food, and beverage, maintenance and recreation-based businesses.”
With financial support from private donors and the Downtown Development Authority, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. is partnering with Start Garden, hosting workshops and bootcamps where entrepreneurs can pitch ideas, develop business plans and get advice.
“Give entrepreneurs an on ramp to what we believe opportunities may be coming in the future and an opportunity to be innovative. It’s an opportunity to utilize one of our most underutilized assets, the Grand River itself.”
