The National Professional Men's Network

NPMN Business to Watch

Meet Trenton Belton

Trenton Belton is a 14 year old Freshman of East Kentwood HS and his clothing brand Originality is taking the city by storm. His business began in July of 2023 and since then he’s been unstoppable. Originality has sold over 180 items by word of mouth, online website, and pop up vending events. Trenton says he owes his recent success to God who makes everything possible. He also recognizes the support of his parents Ricky and Tamara Belton (from whom he obtained his ambition) and his many mentors like Henry Sapp, Alvin “AJ” Hills and Dondrea Brown who believed in him and provided him with many opportunities. Belton’s mission with his clothing brand is to provide a positive message with every piece he sells. Trenton plans to attend Howard University and majoring in Business and Marketing. Trenton is very pleased with his work but says this is only the beginning that mixed with his always growing hunger for success makes him one of our up and coming entrepreneurs to watch.

“In a world of duplicates always be one of one.”

 - Trenton Belton

Outstanding Black Man In Business

Meet Greg Morris

Hello, my name is Greg Morris and I am from Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a proud father and husband, I pride myself in saying that out loud because I very much love my city. As a product of Grand Rapids Public Schools and being a Creston Polar Bear, I truly pride myself building small business here in our city. In the past 20 years, I have partnered up with some partners to create platforms such as Morrgood entertainment which sole purpose was to expand the entertainment opportunities here in GR in the form of night life events, charities, and education. Being able to open a Nail Salon with my wife was also a bonus and super fun. Currently, I supervise a team of counselors that work closely with at risk youth. The program I work for understands the current need for youth development socially and in the work force. My almost 15 years in this field I have met some amazing people in our community who really thrive with an entrepreneur spirit. As someone with that same spirit I was able to assist the small business community here in Grand Rapids. I created a social media platform called The Vendor GR. This platformed was mainly created to help cultivate the small business community during our time during Covid. Covid affected our community by temporally closing down businesses and shops all over the nation. This ultimately stopped a lot of income coming into our homes. As the city shifted many people engaged in creating businesses that provided all sorts of goods and service. Well the Vendor GR welcomed all entrepreneurs a space to offer those goods and services. Rather it be a local pop up shop or just using The Vendor GR as a listing on a digital rolodex it was very impactful and helped a lot of people in our city create a second income. 

Currently my wife and I are working on a new business called Grand La Foi Event Planning. Grand La Foi (which means Keeping The Faith in French) is an event planning company designed to assist in all your event needs whether it be a wedding, corporate event, or just an important moment in our customers life. The great thing about Grand La Foi is there are many services that you can acquire just a single service as small as hosting to a single item such as king and queen chairs. We are very exited to see what the future holds for Grand La Foi and other businesses that we are involved in.