About Grand Rapids

Greater Grand Rapids offers an impressive array of industries and amenities more common to regions twice its size. Grand Rapids has experienced tremendous growth in many areas, especially life sciences and patient care where over $1 billion has been invested in the last decade. Its growth is fueled by the symbiosis of higher education, entrepreneurial vision, and financial capability that characterizes its residents. As a result, Grand Rapids has earned a list of top rankings and awards that places it in very prestigious company. The list of awards below is one of several indicators that the future of Greater Grand Rapids is bright indeed. 


Top Rankings

• #2 for Business Building Projects
  With 32 business building projects in 2006, Grand Rapids ranks second for metropolitan areas between 200,000 and 1 million people.
  
  
• #3 Automotive and Mechanical Engineering Employment Sectors per 1,000
  Greater Grand Rapids is home to over 32,000 businesses, more than 2,500 of which are manufacturers. Additionally, it has many large firms including several Forbes 500 (private) and Fortune 1,000 (public) companies.
  
  
• #4 Regional Ratio of Knowledge Intensity
  This indicates that the performance of the knowledge economy is a primary influence on the economy.
  
  
• #4 Higher Education Expenditures per Capita
  Grand Rapids is home to 20 colleges and universities with over 65,000 students.
  
  
• #6 World Knowledge Competitive Index
  This 2005 study is an overall benchmark of a region's knowledge capacity, capability, and sustainability. A total of 125 regions from around the world were included in this study.
  
  
• #7 Research and Development Expenditures by Business per Capita.
  Michigan is a leader in biopharmaceuticals and micro technology.
  
  
• #15 Patents Registered per Capita
  Michigan is widely known for its inventive prowess.