small business

The Ypsilanti-based residential real estate company Yarrow hopes to uplift local business in downtown Ypsi with its recent purchase of 114 West Michigan Avenue. This building was formerly occupied by the Unicorn Feed and Supply Gift Shop and is currently home to the event venue Yours Truly. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale was joined by Yarrow co-founder Dylan Cinti to talk about this expansion and what it means for both his company and for Ypsilanti's downtown spaces and small business owners.

For 53 years, the People’s Food Co-op in Ann Arbor has served the community in unique and interesting ways. The People’s Food Co-op is open to everyone but it's also a membership service. What role does it play in Ann Arbor? The co-op's General Manager, Angie Voiles, and Community Outreach and Communications Director, Troy Clarke, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the People's Food Co-op impact's in Ann Arbor.

The City of Ann Arbor is looking for ways to make it easier for residents to start a home business. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility, and it takes a lot of care. When in need of appropriate supplies, Ypsilanti residents can find three pet stores that can provide what you need for your furry friends. And there's the opportunity to make some human friends along the way. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale caught up with the owner of the recently opened "Depot Town Cats & Dogs", Holli Andrews, for this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

Saline Mayor Brian Marl delivered his State of the City address on Monday. Ahead of his speech, he spoke with WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert.

It was a sad day when Go! Ice Cream closed its doors in Ypsilanti. Now, there is some happier news to report. Four new business will occupy that building, Rylee Barnsdale spoke with one them. Colleen Kennedy is the owner of Investors Realty Group, which will also serve as the new property manager for the building on North Washington Street.

Born and raised in Jiangsu, China, Isabel Wang’s fascinating journey to becoming a full-time leather artisan and starting her business, Arbor Trading Post, is by way of 7,000 miles and a Ph.D. in biochemistry. Meet Isabel and hear her story when she joins Deb Polich on this edition of WEMU’s "creative:impact."

More businesses in Ypsilanti are working to become more sustainable in their practices. A Prospect Park business called "We Adore Flowers" is among them. It focuses on organically grown, local blooms and have gone to great lengths to institute sustainable practices in creating their fragrant offerings. Rylee Barnsdale talked all about the "We Adore Flowers" establishment with its founder/owner, Ginny Blades.

Officials overseeing the University of Michigan's Ypsilanti Health Center plan to move operations downtown by the end of the year. Not only will it more than triple their square footage and allow for more specialty care, but it could spawn further partnerships and entrepreneurial enterprises to boost economic development in Ypsilanti. Rylee Barnsdale talks with Concentrate Media reporter Sarah Rigg about the certainties and possibilities.

Michigan would have its own research and development tax credit under bills that passed the state Senate Tuesday. Colin Jackson has more.