Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes Kim Bode, Owner, 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications, Grand Rapids, MI. Kim Bode, owner of 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications in Grand Rapids, was recently honored as Women-Owned Small Business of the Year at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala — her second recognition at the event, having also received a Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award in 2021. She founded the communications agency 17 years ago after noticing a lack of women in leadership roles in her field and deciding to forge her own path. Beyond running her agency, she is currently leading a Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship through the Small Business Association of Michigan, focused on supporting second-stage women-owned businesses navigate the challenges of growth. She emphasized that second stage — when a business has employees and real growth costs — is often the hardest and least-supported phase, and she hopes to help other women-owned companies find the right resources to reach the next level. » Visit MBN