UWImpactReportof2025_FIN - Flipbook - Page 10
Small business growth
When small businesses survive and grow, they create a ripple effect
that strengthens the entire local economy. In 2025, we awarded
$5,000 Micro-Enterprise Grants to 100 qualifying small businesses,
with a focus on the historically under-resourced Eastside, Edison
and Northside neighborhoods – building lasting wealth where it’s
needed most. Our Small Business Program is a partnership between
the City of Kalamazoo, United Way of South Central Michigan, and
the Foundation For Excellence.
Small Business
Investment:
$500,000
Samson’s Haircare is a grant recipient through
United Way’s Small Business Program. Read
more about co-owner Adam Muncy, how KMEG
helped his business, and his advice to business
owners in Kalamazoo.
ALICE at Work
Launching in 2026, ALICE at Work is a comprehensive
program our team has been building to help business
leaders understand their workforce through the lens
of data and human experience, which fosters dignity,
resilience and opportunity. ALICE at Work is designed
to help employers build strategies to reduce turnover,
increase retention and boost engagement.
Cash for Birthing Parents and Babies
We joined community partners across our region to
champion and invest in RxKids, a cash prescription
program designed to strengthen family 昀椀 nancial stability
during pregnancy and early infancy. This phase of life
is both economically challenging and tremendously
important for child development. RxKids came to
Kalamazoo in 2025, and this summer expands to Jackson,
Albion, Battle Creek, Galesburg and Spring昀椀 eld, as well as
Blackman, Oshtemo, Wakeshma and Sheridan townships.
Scan to 昀椀 nd program
impact, research and
dashboard information.
10 2025–2026 Impact Report
2 cohorts
planned for
2026
