Comerica Bank, GROW partner on virtual boot camp

Debra Van Hevele Courtesy Comerica Bank

Comerica Bank is partnering with Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) to host a virtual boot camp for entrepreneurs.

The bank said it is hosting a three-class Business $ense Boot Camp beginning this week in partnership with GROW “to provide resources and support to small West Michigan businesses as they recover and reopen amid COVID-19.”

“Comerica remains committed to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in Michigan,” said Debra Van Hevele, senior vice president, retail regional director, Comerica Bank.

“The global pandemic has created devastating challenges for business owners. Comerica’s partnership with GROW and our

Bonnie Nawara Courtesy Bonnie Nawara

Business $ense Boot Camp will allow participants to connect with valuable resources and interact with like-minded entrepreneurs that will offer an opportunity to provide clarity and renewed energy to tackle small business goals.”

Comerica’s one-hour monthly Zoom events will take place:

June 30: Credit History. The focus will be on cleaning up a credit report, preparing for access to capital and understanding how credit history affects business operations.

July 28: Understanding Your Financials, Part 1. How to read, review and understand balance sheets, P&Ls and other key business statements.

Aug. 25: Understanding Your Financials, Part 2. How to read, review and understand balance sheets, P&Ls and other key business statements.

“Now, more than ever, we are committed to expanding the resources that we provide to West Michigan entrepreneurs spanning nine regional counties,” said Bonnie Nawara, CEO of GROW. “We are honored to partner with Comerica to provide small businesses with connections and professional services to help grow and recover from the pandemic.”

GROW is focused on helping current and aspiring business owners at various stages of business ownership. The organization connects entrepreneurs with mentors, business coaches, counselors and peers to help build professional networks. GROW offers professional services that support business assessment, planning, training and education. Additionally, GROW provides business loans and lending options designed to help entrepreneurs start or grow their small businesses, especially when traditional financing is not available. The organization provided a COVID-19 working capital loan earlier this spring to businesses directly impacted by COVID-19.

Comerica Bank also will host a Business $ense Boot Camp in the Detroit market to aid entrepreneurs and small businesses in that region.