Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses

An essential ingredient to the success of Michigan’s nearly 900,000+ small businesses is advocacy at every level: local, state and federal. The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) is an example of an organization working to influence state and country-wide regulations and public policy and, at the same time, hosts networking events and educational programs. Meanwhile, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC) offers MBE certification, capacity-building programming and an annual award ceremony—the ACE Awards—to honor Michiganders who have made significant contributions to their business communities.

In Michigan, there are a variety of funding and grant programs available to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs in reaching their goals. Match on Main is a place-based reimbursement grant program that helps eligible businesses improve their downtown, historic storefronts by providing up to $25,000 of funding. MEDC’s Capital Access programs work with lending institutions to provide small businesses with funding, and Michigan Women Forward is a certified community development financial institution (CDFI) that supports women, veteran- and minority-owned businesses that do not qualify for traditional business loans through classes, conferences and pitch competitions.

Keep your skills sharp through small business workshops, trainings and conferences that help you maintain your business edge and enhance your knowledge of the state’s business environment. Ann Arbor SPARK’s entrepreneur boot camp and incubator programs, along with their range of services from networking to mentorship and business planning, are an amazing slew of resources whether you’re launching your first startup or are a seasoned entrepreneur. Meanwhile, the Michigan Small Business Development Center‘s learning sessions, which cover topics from understanding your financial reports to Instagram marketing and on-demand webinar library make learning how to better your business available any time.