A Lawyer’s Year-End Reflections.

It is the end of 2016. I am having “big picture” thoughts as the year ends. I have a pretty nice “big picture” view out of my office window. Out of my office window from the 12th floor of 99 Monroe overlooks many ice skaters at Rosa Parks’ Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. It isContinue reading “A Lawyer’s Year-End Reflections.”

Update on Community Development and Affordable Housing: Is an Answer Found in Social Enterprise?

Today the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund released its five year Strategic Plan If you are not familiar with the CDFI, the CDFI “works to spur economic growth and opportunity in many of our nation’s most distressed communities.“ “The CDFI Fund’s mission is to expand economic opportunity for underserved people and communities by supporting theContinue reading “Update on Community Development and Affordable Housing: Is an Answer Found in Social Enterprise?”

Trending Towards Social Entrepreneurship: Update on Michigan’s Benefit Corporation Legislation.

  House Bills 5710, 5711 & 5712 were introduced on May 31, that would allow BCorps to be formed under Michigan Law. Although the State House has taken no formal action since June 1, in late September the House Fiscal Agency issued a Fiscal Analysis on the BCorp bills, check it out here. The AnalysisContinue reading “Trending Towards Social Entrepreneurship: Update on Michigan’s Benefit Corporation Legislation.”

Michigan Crowdfunding Law Update: Viable Tool for Social Entrepreneurs?

I had a client come in yesterday  – a local restaurant owner. A startup business. – quick comment –  Gotta love local start up businesses. I love their value in being an active part of a local community – their entrepreneurial spirit –  willingness to take risks. – Ok – back to where I was going… One ofContinue reading “Michigan Crowdfunding Law Update: Viable Tool for Social Entrepreneurs?”