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 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.
