About Us

In 1989, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) was founded to provide women with economic mobility through business education and counseling. Today, in addition to providing education and counseling, GROW is a Community Development Financial Institution and microlender that offers loans to both female and male existing and aspiring business owners who lack access to traditional financing. We do this with financial support from the, Association of Women's Business Center (AWBC) and the Small Business Association (SBA).

Our Mission

To create a more empowered and equitable West Michigan through opportunities for small business ownership.

GROW as a CDFI

Community Development Financial Institutions are private financial institutions that work to create financial justice by providing transparent financing, investment capital, and financial education to communities excluded from mainstream lending. As a CDFI, GROW provides responsible, accessible lending products to elevate underrepresented communities through small business ownership.

GROW as an SBA Lender

GROW is one of 147 microlenders in the United States that provides loans of up to $50,000 backed by the Small Business Administration. Our loans are designed to meet borrower's unique needs and are suitable for those who are low-income, low-credit, and not yet bankable.

GROW as a WBC

GROW is one of 110 Women's Business Centers in the United States. Through funding from the AWBC, GROW provides education and support to entrepreneurs through educational programming, business counseling and technical support.

Our Impact

In 2020, GROW’s funding, counseling and education aided in 55 businesses in West Michigan keeping their doors open during COVID-19.
Read more in our 2020 Annual Report here.
Read our client stories here.