Who We Are
Business Development
The business development team offers practical business assistance to anyone starting or currently operating a business. This includes identifying each entrepreneur's unique needs and connecting them with resources and networks to help develop their business.

Karen Benson
Porfolio Manager /
Business Development Officer
E: kbenson@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404

Cailin Kelly
Business Development Officer
E: ckelly@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404

Paola Mendivil
Bilingual Business Development Officer
E: pmendivil@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404
D: 616.328.0125

Ben Oliver
Bilingual Business Development Officer
E: boliver@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404
D: 616.570.2012

Lauren Conrad
Project Manager
Lauren coordinates special projects that strengthen GROW's ability to support small business owners.
E: lconrad@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404
D: 307.413.6367

Rosie Geib
Program & Volunteer Coordinator
Rosie designs, coordinates, and implements programs and resources that support small business owners. She collaborates with GROW's volunteer network to coordinate professional skill development and coaching for entrepreneurs. In addition, she manages virtual learning platforms.
E: rorchanian@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404

Trevor Sisk
Finance & Grants Manager
Trevor supports GROW's grant reporting, fund administration and compliance, financial management, and reporting systems.
E: tsisk@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404

Kelli Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Kelli collaborates with the CEO in setting and driving organizational vision, operational strategy, and implementation. She directly oversees all lending functions and operations.
E: ksmith@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404

Lori Wilson
Director of Operations & Administration
Lori supports GROW's community by ensuring internal processes are efficient and supportive as well as creates a workplace environment where GROW employees can do their best.
E: lwilson@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404
D: 616.540.8328


Milinda Ysasi
Chief Executive Officer
Milinda leads the strategic vision for the organization. She connects with current and future partners, our board of directors and staff to execute the mission of GROW.
E: mysasi@growbusiness.org
O: 616.458.3404