At WMCAT we believe that our humanity, our prosperity, and our futures are connected. This belief drives us to build authentic relationships, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and seek out opportunities for shared thriving wherever possible.
When we announced earlier this year that we would phase out social enterprise Ambrose at WMCAT, it marked the end of commercial screen printing at the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology. But our aim was to ensure that screen printing with a mission — and the customers who make it possible — would find new life in our community.
We’re excited to share that we’re partnering with another local print shop to connect former Ambrose customers to continued impact through screen printing.
Meet BAC Print! A Black-owned–and–run small business in Grand Rapids, BAC Print has plenty in common with Ambrose at WMCAT. Led by Jovan Naves, BAC Print puts young people at the heart of its operation, offering employment and mentorship opportunities to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
As part of the partnership, BAC Print will help connect residents in its neighborhood on the southeast side to WMCAT’s programming in visual arts and technology engagement with young people and workforce development with adults. BAC Print will also provide two paid summer internship experiences for WMCAT youth.
“We are grateful to our Ambrose at WMCAT customers for years of support,” shared WMCAT President + CEO Jamon Alexander. “Our partnership with BAC Print will ensure the mission at the heart of our former screen-printing social enterprise lives on. We are proud to align with a small Black-owned business with a track record of meaningful youth engagement.”
Intentionally identified as being in alignment with WMCAT’s mission and values, BAC Print is an exciting and natural next step for former Ambrose customers to continue positively impacting their community with every order.
“We are excited and honored to be partnering with WMCAT,” said Jovan Naves, owner of BAC Print. “First, because we believe in the mission that they are working towards on a daily basis and want to help with that. Secondly, this helps us grow as a business as well as grow our community outreach. Being able to hire more people from the community to serve our customers and achieve our goals.”
Reach out to Jovan and the BAC Print team today at bacprint.com or email print@bareallclothing.com directly to get started on your custom screen-printing order.
