West Michigan Region
Grand Valley State University
Serving Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola and Ottawa counties
Grand Valley State University
50 Front Ave. SW
L. William Seidman Center, Suite 1081
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Ed Garner, Regional Director
Email: sbdc@gvsu.edu
Phone: 616.331.7370
Hours: 8am-5pm ET Monday-Friday
Hosts of the largest small business resource fair in West Michigan.
Your business journey starts here.
Whether you’re launching a new venture, growing your company, or navigating challenges, we’re here to help. Our expert team provides no-cost consulting, market research, business education, and the resources you need to succeed.
Serving small businesses across the West Michigan Region, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs like you build strong, resilient businesses. Let’s take your next step—together. Ready to get started?
West Michigan Team
We’re more than just business consultants—we’re your partners in success. Our dedicated team is here to provide expert guidance, no-cost consulting, and valuable resources to help your small business thrive. Whether you’re starting, growing, or overcoming challenges, we’re ready to support you every step of the way. Let’s build something great—together!
Ed Garner
Regional Director
Ed has over 30 years of experience in economic & business development, lending, and customer service and has worked for companies such as Westinghouse Electric Corp, Sprint, FMB Lumberman’s Bank, and the Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce. Prior to joining the Michigan SBDC, Ed was the President & CEO of Muskegon Area First Economic Development Corporation. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Michigan State University and an MBA from Western Michigan University.
Ed serves on several local and regional boards and has been named as a notable Black leader and one of the 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan.
Marie Elliot
Senior Business Consultant
Marie is a Senior Business Consultant with the West Michigan SBDC, serving seven counties north of Grand Rapids. With over 20 years of consulting experience and a background in HR, she supports small businesses with financial planning, loan packaging, and workforce development. Marie has taught at Mid Michigan College and previously served as Regional Director for the Mid Michigan SBDC. A two-time Michigan SBDC Outstanding Business Consultant of the Year, she’s helped 16 clients earn Best Small Business honors. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ferris State University and completed graduate work at Eastern Michigan University.
Jamaal Ewing
Business Consultant
Jamaal Ewing is a Certified Business Consultant with the Michigan SBDC. He began his career in financial services with JP Morgan Chase and Huntington Bank before shifting to support underserved businesses as a microloan program manager at Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women. Since 2016, he has helped entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses through the Michigan SBDC. Specialties are business plan development, financial budgeting/projections, digital marketing, and early export assistance. He is also a Certified SBA Export Counselor. Jamaal is the co-founder and COO of Black Calder Brewing Company—Michigan’s first Black-owned brewery—created to celebrate culture, art, and collaboration. Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, chess, sports, movies, fishing, and traveling.
Jay Martinez
Business Consultant
Jay is a Business Consultant with the Michigan SBDC, bringing over 20 years of experience in sales and business development. He holds a Master of Education from Grand Valley State University and has led growth in ventures ranging from real estate to a school fundraising company, which scaled from $56K to $2.6 million annually. Passionate about supporting small businesses, Jay blends his education background with entrepreneurial insight to help owners grow sustainably. He believes strategy, knowledge, and practical tools build strong communities. An avid runner, Jay has completed several half marathons—drawing inspiration from the parallels between training and entrepreneurship.
Malia Birchmeier
Program Specialist
Malia is a Program Specialist with the Michigan SBDC, bringing a background in customer service, entrepreneurship, and program coordination. She earned her MBA from Grand Valley State University in 2023 and was named the Michigan SBDC Outstanding Intake Coordinator of the Year in 2025. Malia also owns a floral business focused on weddings and events, giving her firsthand insight into small business ownership. She’s passionate about helping entrepreneurs find the right tools, people, and resources. Outside of work, Malia teaches kickboxing and lifts weights and is dedicated to a lifestyle of health and wellness.
Erin Seros
Student Office Intern
Erin Seros is currently majoring in Finance and Accounting. A graduate of St. Clair High School, Erin supports the team with administrative and client services. She also works for her family’s small business, giving her early insight into entrepreneurship. Erin enjoys helping other small businesses succeed and values learning from real-world experiences. Outside of work, she plays club basketball and enjoys golf.
Ivy George
Office Intern
Ivy George is a Finance and Marketing student at Grand Valley State University and currently supports the West Michigan team with client services and administration. Ivy is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, particularly in empowering local businesses to succeed in competitive markets. Ivy also enjoys surrounding herself around nature, spending time with family, and fitness.
Featured Event
West Michigan Resource Fair
May 7, 2026 | 12:00-4:00pm
Goei Center
The Small Business Resource & Financing fair provides the opportunity to connect with organizations and financial institutions, all under one roof. These experts can assist you with everything from funding options to market research, business planning to networking, and so much more. Our goal is to provide you (the time-limited entrepreneur) with direct access to the people and resources crucial for your success.
Client Success Stories
Teknique Street Dance Academy
Janeil Foy, owner of Teknique Street Dance Academy, is bringing “breaking” or breakdancing to...
Schindy’s at Diamond Lake
Diane and Eric Schindlbeck own Schindy's—a combination bar, pizza, convenience and gas store in...
All In Pickleball Gym
If you haven’t already tried pickleball you probably will soon.