MUSKEGON — A new angel investment group formed in Muskegon has $550,000 in the bank and is ready to invest in companies and ideas.

A new angel investment group formed in Muskegon has $550,000 in the bank and is ready to invest in companies and ideas.

An angel investment group launching in Muskegon could provide a potential new source of capital for local entrepreneurs.

Venture capital investing in Michigan had one of its best years ever in 2012, setting the stage for what one venture investor sees as “another very big year” for further growth.

Macatawa Bank Corp. ended 2012 doing something it hadn’t done for some time: growing loans and deposits.

As Regional President Jim Dunlap focuses on the Huntington’s statewide operations, veteran banker John Irwin steps into the role as West Michigan market leader.

An Indiana bank’s entry into the Southwest Michigan market through the acquisition of 20 Bank of America offices follows an ongoing expansion strategy and may serve as a “stepping stone” for more moves in the future.

A $750,000 investment in a Grand Rapids software company made 2012 the busiest year ever for Grand Angels.

The $1.25 million Blue Medora received from Start Garden and Grand Angels will go to add staff and develop new products.

Economic outlooks and survey results generally view West Michigan’s economy and employment growth as plodding along with the nation for the first half of 2013, then picking up during the latter months of the year.

An Indiana bank plans to enter the Southwest Michigan market with the acquisition of 20 branch offices from Bank of America.

Steelcase Inc. is expecting a relatively flat sales pace for the present quarter, while rival Herman Miller Inc. anticipates solid growth, part of which will come from making up sales that were delayed by Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast.

After securing a partial victory in a long-sought goal of repealing Michigan’s personal property tax, business advocates next need to turn their attention to convincing voters to go along with the plans.

The “buy local” message has been working well for Blackford Capital.

A private-equities fund formed this year to invest in Michigan-based manufacturers has had “tremendous success” so far attracting investors.