LATEST NEWS

Business Consulting, Community Development, Economic Development, and More

Southwest Michigan First distributes positive news about the region it serves through FIRST & 42, a digital platform offering updates on what the organization and local businesses are doing, as well as other regional happenings, in our geographical latitude—parallel 42. You can enjoy FIRST & 42 news from us in two ways: when you want it on the standalone site or delivered straight to your inbox through our digital newsletter called “First & 42: The Kalamazoo Region’s Digital Daily” on Mondays. Subscriptions are free, so there is no excuse not to get all that you need to know fast and at your fingertips—meaning on your phone, computer or watch.

If you’re interested in staying up to date with all of our latest news and announcements, click the button below to explore all that FIRST & 42 has to offer.

First & 42

Michigan Growth Advisors: New Leaders in Economic Development

9/28/2022

Through helping clients understand public incentives that allow them to move forward with economic development that otherwise seemed unviable because of costs, Michigan Growth Advisors assists with growing businesses, construction project management, and more.

Leadership Development from Leadership Kalamazoo

8/28/2022

Anyone interested in leadership development can find great opportunities with the Leadership Kalamazoo Class of 2022.

Community Development through Student Engagement at MiCareerQuest Southwest

7/28/2022

Southwest Michigan First is excited to contribute toward community development once again through student engagement at MiCareerQuest Southwest.

Southwest Michigan First Gets Recognized as One of the Best and Brightest in Economic Development

6/28/2022

If you are ever looking for a business in economic development to be a part of, Southwest Michigan First has been awarded as one of the best and brightest companies to work at for the 11th year in a row!

Michigan Works! Southwest Builds Community Development through Financial Literacy Training

5/23/2022

Michigan Works! Southwest is pushing community development through their new series of financial literacy workshops that are designed to assist adults in need of financial education.

Business Development Opportunities with the MI New Favorite Snack Contest

4/28/2022

When local business development causes new businesses to open, new, exciting opportunities become available. One such example is the MI New Favorite Snack contest!

MiLEAP Grant Works to Train Local Residents for Community Development

3/28/2022

Through a statewide grant, community development is being pushed through a partnership of local community colleges and workforce development organizations.

Job Creation and Workforce Development Lower Regional Unemployment Rates

1/28/2022

Thanks to job creation and job opportunities, this past October showed another decline in Michigan’s unemployment rates in major labor markets according to the Michigan Department of Technology.

Find Professional Business Consulting through the First Path Program

11/28/2021

If you have ever considered starting a business and think that you have a worthwhile idea that deserves exploring, consider the business consulting offered through First Path program.

Job Creation and Seasonal Trends Lower Michigan Regional Jobless Rates

10/28/2021

Following the typical seasonal trends for August, the jobless rates within 15 of 17 of Michigan’s regional labor markets decreased thanks to job creation, open positions, and more.

Economic Development Leads to Kalamazoo Top Spot

9/28/2021

Economic development in Kalamazoo has helped it to maintain its top spot on the cost-of-living index put together by The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Call for Legislation Passage

8/25/2021

The Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM) and Southwest Michigan First have called for the Michigan Employment Opportunity Act to be passed.