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

May 15, 2023

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and the Constant Evolution of Placemaking and City Building

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) was created in 2013 with the goal of bringing several economic development tools and organizations…
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April 10, 2023

Move Your Money: Beyond Banking

Welcome to the third annual Move Your Money month! If you’ve been following People First Economy for the last few…
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April 9, 2023

Local First Workshop Recap: Best Practices for Employee Wellness & Mental Health

It is essential for businesses of all sizes to support their staff, from the front lines to the C Suite;…
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February 22, 2023

Business Highlights: PFE’s Black-Owned Partners in Grand Rapids

Celebrate the vibrant culture, exciting events, delicious food, friendly people and cherished traditions of Michigan with People First Economy. Black…
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February 17, 2023

PFE PODCAST – S2E10 ‘Move Your Money’ with Manny Barragan of Beneficial State Bank

Welcome to the People First Economy Podcast, a podcast where we talk to business leaders and movement builders to learn…
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December 17, 2022

PFE Podcast – S2E9 Sacred Economy Part II with Kathleen Roark and Kevin Lum

Welcome to the People First Economy Podcast, a podcast where we talk with business leaders and movement builders who are…
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November 22, 2022

Pop’s Family Kitchen

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November 10, 2022

Your Guide to the 2022 Holiday Season

Does your holiday list look something like this: Schedule family/staff holiday parties Take family photo Send holiday cards Confirm meal/catering…
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November 7, 2022

PFE Podcast – S2E8 Boxed Out with Ron Knox of the Institute for Local Self Reliance

Welcome to the People First Economy Podcast, a podcast where we talk with business leaders and movement builders who are…
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November 3, 2022

Your Guide to the 2022 Holiday Season: Creating Impactful and Memorable Celebrations

Does your holiday list look something like this: Schedule family/staff holiday parties Take family photo Send holiday cards Confirm meal/catering…
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