DISTRICT 2012
The District 2012 will unite residents, small businesses, community organizations and other local economy stakeholders around economic equity and a vision for business corridors in Southtown. District 2012 approach to business and economic development will form new investments, production and consumption that meets local needs, creates jobs and generates wealth. District 2012 builds new infrastructure that allows historically excluded entrepreneurs and residents to benefit from community development and be a part of the future. Whether it’s the programs, networking events, initiatives, or connections to resources District 2012 is here to provide a supportive community that allows businesses to develop and flourish.
Over the coming months, we’ll be asking our friends and supporters to join us in helping to raise $500 thousand for this important effort. GRABB promotes economic empowerment and equity. We believe that creating vibrant business districts anchored by Black businesses is vital in raising the quality of life for economically marginalized Black families in economically depressed and predominantly Black neighborhoods in Grand Rapids and beyond.!
The Hub
- The GRABB Hub will be a collaborative shared co-working space and epicenter for Black entrepreneurial empowerment, growth, and cultural discovery. Our Co-Work Lounge is a common area for Hub members. It’s also a space where we will host large events like our Sankofa Mixers & Market, curated panels, distinguished guest speakers, networking events, and GRABB Local programs for our community entrepreneurs. We will curate a myriad of opportunities for business, personal and professional growth.
- We strive to create and deliver unmatched entrepreneurial support that meets the unique needs of Black entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids that are dedicated to inspiring ideas, creating jobs, scaling companies, and increasing wealth in the community.We help current and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support network in the Greater Grand Rapids Area. Some of our programs include: GRABB 5, GRABB Connects, 30 days 30 Dollars and GRABB BAIL Essentials. Whether it’s our programs, networking events, initiatives, or connections to resources we’re here to provide a supportive community that allows businesses to develop and flourish.
- A Collaborative Retail space and incubator program designed for Black Consumer Product Goods based entrepreneurs that are looking to further test and validate their product based business. We will work with existing businesses with products and services that are looking to develop their business to the point they can move into their own brick and mortar space and/or expand into retailers. We do this by providing program participants with commercial retail space, coaching/mentoring and guidance from industry experts that will lead to their sustainability and growth. These businesses will operate within retail space to test their business model and viability while receiving direct wrap-around services. The program is designed to scale businesses from pop-ups to permanent physical location and shelf placements as they look to thrive in today’s retail environment.
- This multifunctional outdoor market space will connect the Seymour Square Neighborhood to the business district. Established businesses and the community as a whole will benefit by having a unique atmosphere that will serve local residents and visitors alike. Limiting vehicular access to this space will create a pedestrian friendly space away from busy city streets that is desired by the visitors looking for outdoor and entertainment.
GRABB Outdoor Marketplace, is a seasonal outdoor marketplace celebrating emerging entrepreneurs from our community. From artisanal candles and soap to fresh baked goods and handmade wares, every event will feature an exciting and diverse range of local vendors. Another goal is to provide start-up food entrepreneurs with an entry point into the industry by providing a venue where vendors and food truck operators can serve customers. Our overall goal is layered, we want to not only let our venue grow successfully but provide a place where entrepreneurs can grow and mature their products. - We strive to create and deliver unmatched entrepreneurial support that meets the unique needs of Black entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids that are dedicated to inspiring ideas, creating jobs, scaling companies, and increasing wealth in the community.We help current and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support network in the Greater Grand Rapids Area. Some of our programs include: GRABB 5, GRABB Connects, 30 days 30 Dollars and GRABB BAIL Essentials. Whether it’s our programs, networking events, initiatives, or connections to resources we’re here to provide a supportive community that allows businesses to develop and flourish.
The Space
We believe reactivating spaces that have long been vacant is vital to increasing the vibrancy and neighborhood economy
Click through these images and videos to see our vision for the new space
The Neighborhood
A soulful business district in an historical setting where residents and visitors of different cultures, shop, eat, drink and perk. In the heart of one of Grand Rapids Opportunity Zones, Seymour Square is an existing retail hub, commercially anchored by Harvest Health Foods. The U.S. Post Office at this location provides a civic anchor in this district. The commercial core is the intersection of two well-trafficked corridors, Burton Street SE and Eastern Avenue SE, which provide good visibility and accessibility to the surrounding neighborhood. A large portion of identifiable storefront space remains intact, and with some reinvestment, can transition into a vibrant and walkable hub.
Our Impact
GRABB Local Inc (GRABB) is a 501c3 economic and business development organization. GRABB works to foster an economy that creates prosperity and supports the revitalization of predominantly Black neighborhoods. GRABB expands opportunities for Black businesses in the Metro Grand Rapids area by assisting them with acquiring four forms of capital (Human, Social, Intellectual and Financial) and creating awareness for Black businesses. GRABB is empowering the Black business community that is leading to meaningful and beneficial economic growth and sustainability.
Neighborhood Activation – GRABB has activated spaces all over the city of Grand Rapids. Events and Educational programs have been held in downtown Grand Rapids, South Division, East Hills, West Grand, and Southtown. GRABB program participants are regularly chosen for business competitions from neighborhoods like Seymour Square, Oakdale & Eastern, Madison Square including Malamiah Juice Bar, Her Destite Hair, Reliable Medical Transportation, BAC Print and Burton Village BBQ are a few of the businesses chosen to participate in these competitions.
Entrepreneurial Support – To date 20 GRABB grads have been selected as finalists for the Start Garden 100, 4 GRABB grads won 5×5 Night Pitch Competition, 3 have pitched at Michigan Women Forwards “Dolphin Tank” totaling more than $50k for their businesses.
Connections + Resources – 86% of GRABB participants were connected to resources they were not aware of. Businesses have increased their social, intellectual, and financial capital through their involvement with GRABB Over half of our participants collaborate with one another on their projects and businesses.
Accessing Capital – Since our launch, GRABB has assisted Black businesses helping them secure over nearly $1 million dollars in micro-loans, grants, and pitch competition winnings.
Looking to be involved?
Would you like to be involved with Distrct 2012? Volunteer, Sponsor, partner? Or you have something else in mind that will benefit the community? Click the button be low to contact us.
