KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Southwest Michigan First has received a substantial grant from an area foundation.
The WK Kellogg Foundation has awarded SW Michigan First $600,000, to allow it to expand community, economic and workforce development projects in Southwest Michigan with a focus on Calhoun County.
Officials say the grant aligns with Southwest Michigan First’s mission to increase economic prosperity for all in Southwest Michigan and builds on the foundation’s efforts to promote thriving, equitable communities for working families and children.
SW Michigan First’s new strategic plan, The Path to Regional Prosperity, will now be implemented faster than originally anticipated through the grant.
Launched in January of 2023, the plan is a multi-year roadmap for enhancing regional collaboration, driving economic growth and providing equitable opportunities for individuals, families and businesses in three foundational areas:
• Economic development – retaining businesses and helping them expand and grow, while attracting new companies to the region.
• Community development – advocating for, enhancing and promoting vibrant communities and business environments so that everyone has the chance to thrive.
• Workforce development – enhancing, preparing and aligning our workforce to meet both current and future demands in the new talent economy.
“At W.K. Kellogg Foundation, children are at the heart of everything we do,” said WKKF Director of Michigan Programs, Faye Nelson. “In order for children to thrive, their families have to have access to good-paying, career pathway jobs, and their communities need to be equitable places of opportunity. This investment in Southwest Michigan First will support collaboration across the region to achieve those goals.”
“At Southwest Michigan First, we believe economic development is a team sport and we’re thrilled to team up with W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Thanks to their support, we’ll be able to accelerate economic development work across the region, and especially in Calhoun County,” said Jonas Peterson, CEO of Southwest Michigan First.
More information about Southwest Michigan First’s strategic action plan can be found by downloading a copy of The Path to Regional Prosperity here.
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