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

August 20, 2024

People Behind the Business | Automotive Industry

When it comes to keeping our vehicles running smoothly and looking their best, local auto mechanics and detailers are the…
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August 19, 2024

Webinar Recap: Helping Small Business Owners Find & Win Capital

People First Economy, Detroit Community Wealth Fund (DCWF), Center for Community-Based Enterprise (C2BE), and Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO)…
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August 15, 2024

The Power of Local Ownership: Building Resilient Communities 

Earlier this week, I attended a talk by Naomi Davis, the founder of a Chicago-based nonprofit called Blacks in Green.…
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July 24, 2024

People Behind the Business: Holistic Wellness

Throughout June and into July, People First Economy took the initiative to interview a few of their health & wellness…
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July 18, 2024

Planting Seeds of Inclusive Growth

Communities across Michigan are filled with challenges. Economic growth is inequitable. Healthcare services are structured in ways that often create…
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July 17, 2024

Think Local First: Shift Your Spending!

When your family and friends ask you why you take pride in your place—whether it be your state, city, or…
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July 2, 2024

Happy Pride & Happy Disability Pride Month!

This year during Pride Month & Disability Pride Month, we’re highlighting why it’s important to celebrate the queer communities that…
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June 20, 2024

How To Build a People First Economy

Joining a new organization will always come with some surprises. We get a rough idea from reading the website and…
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June 17, 2024

DGRI Launches Programs to Support New & Existing Downtown Businesses

Your Business Belongs Downtown. One factor in creating a vibrant and welcoming Downtown is the presence of a strong array…
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June 12, 2024

Local First Webinar Recap: Understanding the CTA

The Corporate Transparency Act effects all corporations and LLCs with operations in the US: are you prepared to report, and…
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