Grand Rapids entrepreneur sees the full spectrum of economic changes
GRAND RAPIDS — Jonathan Jelks — a Grand Rapids entrepreneur behind a variety of startups in fashion, tech and hospitality — is seeing the full spectrum of economic changes brought on by the coronavirus.
Fulton Street Farmers Market stays open, adapts to new safety measures
GRAND RAPIDS — In March, organizers at the Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids were preparing for their biannual soup-tasting fundraiser. Usually, vendors and West Michigan restaurants donate soups for the event. Hundreds of people gather to taste food from the cooler weather season, catch up with one another and support the market.
The Intersection fights for survival amid venue shutdown
Meat Block’s retail store keeps up with demand despite volatile market
FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP — The Meat Block Inc.’s restaurant accounts have taken a big hit due to COVID-19, but the Muskegon-area retail store and online orders have kept the Anderson family busy.
Vertigo Music serves loyal followers with home delivery, curbside sales
GRAND RAPIDS — Listening to records during the stay-at-home order may seem essential for passionate music lovers, but during this pandemic, vinyl shops have been closed to the public since mid March.
Journeyman Distillery focuses on survival
THREE OAKS — Other than the early days of launching Journeyman Distillery LLC, founder Bill Welter cannot recall a more difficult business environment than the present.
For tech firm Carnevale ID, reacting to unpredictable change is business as usual
GRAND RAPIDS — Technology firms like Carnevale ID Inc. are designed to react quickly to changes and create new innovations for clients.
‘Chopped at the knees,’ Coldbreak makes pivot to direct to consumer sales
GRAND RAPIDS — Equipment maker Coldbreak knew it would face a major challenge when the outbreak of COVID-19 led to the shutdown of bars and restaurants and events across the country.
Schuler Books leans on e-commerce, curbside orders
GRAND RAPIDS — In a matter of months, the coronavirus pandemic transformed a Grand Rapids-based independent bookseller’s business model.
Cornerstone Architects brushes up marketing as projects hit pause
GRAND RAPIDS — Over the last few years, Cornerstone Architects Inc. PC has been riding the wave of business in the design and construction industry.