Providing the resources you need to build a better business

Your business has the potential to create social prosperity, environmental reciprocity, and a stronger tomorrow. No matter where you are on your journey, we’ll meet you there.

We connect and celebrate companies who walk out their values

Collaborative Impacts

Build a stronger, more resilient workforce

We are building a stronger economy. By connecting businesses with shared values, we catalyze sustainable action.

Forward, with intention

Impact is measurable, and we can help

We provide the tools for you to measure and benchmark your impact so you can move forward with intention.

Building Loyalty

Invest in a sustainable future for Michigan

Sustainable business practices are an investment in Michigan’s people and the natural resources that make our state vibrant.

What does it mean to be Good For Michigan?

Being Good For Michigan means that you are steering your ship intentionally, utilizing tools to measure your current impact while working towards a better business future. To become Good For Michigan, businesses must complete the SDG Baseline or finish at least 25% of the B Impact Assessment. To stay Good For Michigan, you must retake either assessment every two years.

Why measuring matters

“The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step” – Lao Tzu

Big change doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a series of intentional actions. The first step in your sustainability journey is getting an accurate picture of your current social and environmental impacts. Once you know where you are, you can set a goal for where you want to be.

Building better businesses requires systems change

Local and state policies determine so much of how our economic systems operate. And elected officials depend on the voice of local business leaders, the ‘backbone of our economy,’ to move forward solutions that are good for businesses and our communities. Learn how the PFE Impact Project helps business leaders learn about local and state policy proposals, evaluate how proposals could impact their business, and speak up in favor of policies that are good for businesses and move us towards a people first economy. 

Inspire, Support, and Celebrate Local Business

March 7, 2024

Michigan’s Women-Led B Corps

March is B Corp Month and Women’s History Month!   Certified B Corporations™ (B Corps™) are for-profit companies that use the…
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February 28, 2024

People Behind the Business: Black History Month Feature

Why should you choose black owned businesses? People First Economy believes that by supporting black owned businesses, you are “building…
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February 6, 2024

Michigan Business Development Group Secures Government Support for Local Entrepreneurs

People First Economy Partners with the Center for Community Based Enterprise, Detroit Community Wealth Fund, and Michigan Center for Employee…
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January 22, 2024

People First Economy Welcomes Carlos Martinez as New President

Transition Marks New Era for Sustainable Economic Development in Michigan People First Economy, a leading organization in fostering sustainable economic…
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November 15, 2023

10 Years of City Building, Prepping for a World of Winter and Shopping Small

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) works with partners Downtown and throughout the community to create a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood…
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November 13, 2023

Your Roadmap to Meaningful Gift Giving

What is the best gift you've ever been given? I'll bet it has a fun backstory! Sitting here, I've caught…
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November 2, 2023

Local First Workshop Recap: Conflict to Conversation

Raise your hand if you've ever been faced with conflict...Okay, now you can put it down. I'm confident in asking…
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October 3, 2023

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present! People…
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September 27, 2023

Michigan Good Food Fund supports food and farm businesses making a positive change.

The work of Michigan Good Food Fund advances a more inclusive, resilient food system by investing in food and farm…
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September 20, 2023

Bridge Street Market is Your Neighborhood Grocery Store

Bridge Street Market is your neighborhood grocery store bringing fresh, affordable, and local products to Grand Rapids’ vibrant West Side…
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