Michigan Women Forward hires business development director

Ana Jose. Courtesy West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

A women’s community development organization created and filled a new business development role.

Michigan Women Forward (MWF) — a statewide organization with locations in Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit — recently hired Ana Jose for the newly created role of business development director.

Jose oversees all entrepreneurship programs and business development efforts for MWF in West Michigan. She collaborates with other organizations to cultivate business relationships and provide lending opportunities to small businesses and West Michigan entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or growing businesses.

She has more than 15 years of experience in business services, small business coaching and finance. Before joining MWF, she was program manager for the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where she partnered with the community to assist Hispanic business owners.

Within the first few weeks of joining MWF, she is leading a marketing strategy to engage loan clients and encourage loan applications in partnership with the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative.

“Ana’s years of professional experience working within the small business ecosystem in West Michigan makes her a huge asset to our team,” said Carolyn Cassin, MWF president and CEO. “We have no doubt her efforts and expertise will strengthen and expand our business development and lending initiatives throughout West Michigan.”

Jose has volunteered with many organizations, including the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan.

She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration in 2010 and a Master of Business Administration degree in 2015, both from Cornerstone University.