LATEST NEWS

FIRST & 42 is a digital news resource that gives you a front row seat to what’s thriving across all seven counties in Southwest Michigan. Every other Monday morning, we deliver business wins, economic updates, inspiring stories, community events, and so much more through our digital newsletter. It’s free, but you do have to subscribe (hint hint).

You can also visit our website and socials. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The content is thoughtfully curated by the communications team at Southwest Michigan First to keep you in the know.

Monday might just be your new favorite day of the week.

First & 42

Business Development at the Southwest Michigan Buyer-Supplier Meet & Match

Business Development at the Southwest Michigan Buyer-Supplier Meet & Match

10/13/2022

Coming up next week is a great opportunity for business development at the Southwest Michigan Buyer-Supplier Meet & Match.

Read More
Michigan Growth Advisors: New Leaders in Economic Development

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.

Read More
Leadership Development from Leadership Kalamazoo

Leadership Development from Leadership Kalamazoo

8/28/2022

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

Read More
Community Development through Student Engagement at MiCareerQuest Southwest

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.

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

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!

Read More
Michigan Works! Southwest Builds Community Development through Financial Literacy Training

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.

Read More
Business Development Opportunities with the MI New Favorite Snack Contest

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!

Read More
MiLEAP Grant Works to Train Local Residents for Community Development

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.

Read More
Job Creation and Workforce Development Lower Regional Unemployment Rates

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.

Read More
Find Professional Business Consulting through the First Path Program

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.

Read More
Job Creation and Seasonal Trends Lower Michigan Regional Jobless Rates

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.

Read More
Economic Development Leads to Kalamazoo Top Spot

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.

Read More