Building Business for good
Who we are
Stephanie Kolakowski
About our Founder & Chief Growth Officer
"Once you find your purpose, help others discover theirs."
Stephanie Kolakowski
Founder
Stephanie is a serial social entrepreneur, investor in growth, community advocate, and believer in leading both profits and impact. Prior to launching Grow Business Today a marketing and growth agency, specializing in social impact, Stephanie spent 16 years in broadcast media.
Growing up in Kalamazoo, Michigan the granddaughter of Italian immigrants, she was taught the importance of living a life of Faith, Family & service.
As Director of Sales and Local Programming for FOX 17 Tribune Media, she oversaw sales, traffic, and local programming. Responsible for the growth of the team and a 16 million dollar P&L. She was responsible for leading local, regional, and national sales teams in radio, television, digital and local programming. During the course of her career, she has helped 500+ businesses from small businesses to publicly traded companies grow business and impact. She sees opportunities where others see challenges.
Stephanie's Community Involvement
- Next-Gen Board
Marketing and Engagement – Recovery-Friendly Workplace Initiative
Let’s Help Her Win
Cabinet Member – Meals on Wheels Capital Campaign
National Association of Broadcasters
- Panelist and Speaker
GRBJ 40 Under 40
- Nominee two years | Recipient 2022
Director of Strategic Partnerships – Grand Rapids Center For Community Transformation/Grand Rapids Nehemiah project
- Cohort 2020
Stockbridge Business Association – Business Growth
- Past- Chair
- Advisory Board
Advisory/Board Classes EGR and supporter of Together West MichiganSafe Haven Ministries
Michael Moores
VP Business Development & Veteran Business Services
Sean Gardner
Director of Brand and Design
Brandon Middleton
Director of Sales/ Account Manager - Kalamazoo
With 15 years of sales, logistics, and manufacturing experience, Brandon will oversee business development in our Kalamazoo and St. Joe markets. As a member of the Italian Club and faith community, he is a people person who values and leads with service & integrity, with a focus and background in safety & security.
WBENC Certification
Meijer and Grow Business Today Empowering Women In Business
Are you ready to Grow Your Business and network through WBENC Certification?
WBENC Certification is the most widely recognized and respected national certification for women-owned businesses in the U.S. Through certification, women-owned businesses gain access to a vast network of support, including targeted business opportunities for certified women-owned firms, increased visibility in corporate and government supply chains, education and development programs to spur growth and increase capacity, and networking and mentorship opportunities with thousands of women entrepreneurs and those who support them.
Source WBENC.org
Benefits of WBENC Certification
Benefits of certification for women-owned businesses listed by the WBENC include:
- Access to supplier diversity and procurement executives at hundreds of major U.S. corporations and federal, state, and local government entities that accept WBENC Certification.
- Formal and informal opportunities to pursue business with Corporate and Government Members, as well as with other WBENC-Certified WBEs. Access to networking events, procurement opportunities, mentoring, executive education, capacity development programs, and other business tools and resources.
- Eligibility for regional and national recognition and awards. Use of Women-Owned Logo and Women’s Business Enterprise Seal as a marketing tool to promote your business and expand your company’s visibility.
- Community of support from other female business owners and like-minded professionals all dedicated to the growth and success of women-owned businesses.
Join a Grow Business Today Cohort at Grow Hub GR to learn more and start the process today
We provide a safe space to start and venture through the process. Benefits of working with a consultant and part of this program include:
- Streamlined onboarding and process that saves you time, money, and resources.
- In-person and online options
- A consultant/mentor that walks with you on the path to certification
- A step-by-step process that prepares you to start with the confidence, documents, and materials needed to complete the process.
- A group of women and network on the journey with you locally and regionally.
- Access to on-site support and a place to work locally in Grand Rapids, MI at Grow Hub GR.
- After certification, a team to market, promote and help you capitalize on your certification.
- Support and opportunities to learn more about how you can be a supplier at Meijer, including connections to incubator programs and personal help.
Veteran Business development and VOSB
City of Grand Rapids Certification Consultant
For veterans transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship, securing contracts and building a successful business can be challenging. One key way to gain a competitive edge is through the Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) certification, provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA). This certification is designed to help veteran business owners access government contracts, resources, and support to grow their enterprises
