Transforming the Michigan Small Business Economy
Michigan SBDC Annual Report 2021
The Michigan SBDC is pleased to offer our support services to small businesses in all 83 counties of Michigan. Please join us in celebrating the impact of our team and our clients in this 2021 annual report.
A Resilient Small Business Economy
After COVID-19 hit Michigan, small business owners realized that things could never go back to normal. But we’ve seen their passion and resiliency first-hand as we worked together to adjust to the new climate and find ways to thrive.
The 2021 Annual Report demonstrates an entire network committed to small businesses success during challenging times. Demand for services eclipsed all-time highs, and the SBDC teams rose to the occasion with innovative approaches and gritty, hard work.
Additionally, new digital resources and client-friendly tools that were created this year will support today’s and future clients for years to come!J.D. Collins, CEO, Executive Director, Michigan SBDC
High Demand. Increased Response.
In 2021, the demand for small business support was a 24% increase above 2020 and 7.5x greater than 10 years ago. Here’s a snapshot of how we responded to the needs of Michigan small business owners.
I am so grateful for the help of the SBDC. They’ve provided practical and actionable tools and opportunities that have helped me grow my business.Missy Bobo, Founder, Thumb Roast Coffee
2021 Impact
Client Demographics
2021 Impact
11,398
Unique Clients Served
169% compared to our goal
6,846
Training Attendees
2,446
Jobs Created
137% compared to our goal
45,424
Jobs Supported
186% compared to our goal
469
New Business Starts
106% compared to our goal
$302 Million
Capital Formation
191% compared to our goal
LaTashia Perry
Kids Like Mine
LaTashia Perry, founder & CEO of Kids Like Mine – a book series committed to enriching and empowering the lives of African-American children. The Michigan SBDC worked with LaTashia to provide:
- One-on-one consulting
- Access to trainings
- Participation in our Cyber Monday Virtual Marketplace event.
LaTashia’s series is sold worldwide and has been featured on Good Morning America and in People magazine.
SBDC Teams and Services
Consulting
52,687
Hours of consulting provided
Market Research
993
Market Research And SEO Reports Completed
Consultants Statewide
149
50 SBDC consultants and 99 contractors/consultants/specialty service providers hired through the CARES Act
Training / Business Education
307
Workshops hosted
Deveny Rosebrock, Ben Rosebrock, and Joyce Meyer
The Buzz Cafe and Marketplace
The Buzz Café is a marketplace, café, specialty market, and chocolate shop, founded in 2017 by partners Deveny Rosebrock, Ben Rosebrock, and Joyce Miller. With help from the MI-SBDC, the trio successfully built this thriving business and contributed to the revitalization of Adrian’s historic downtown.
Through partnering with other small businesses, the MI-SBDC was able to assist with:
- eCommerce Transition
- Digital Marketing
- Mental Health Support
- Access to Capital
Statewide Teams
The Michigan SBDC consists of specialized teams such as the Growth Team and the Tech Team where industry expert business consultants assist new and expanding businesses with their specific needs for success.
Export Team
From identifying and entering new markets to loan packaging and strategic planning, our team of export specialists help small businesses navigate the world of exporting!
Cybersecurity Team
Our cybersecurity team helps small businesses combat everyday cybersecurity threats through interactive courses, free downloadable resources, and expert small business consulting.
Regional Center Teams
With ten offices across the state, we provide entrepreneurs and business owners with convenient access to free consulting, training, and support services throughout Michigan.
Business Growth Team
Our Growth Team consultants consist of industry experts that service businesses interested in growing or transitioning.
Technology Team
Our Michigan SBDC Tech Team works with technology businesses throughout the state to bridge the gap between technology development and commercialization.
Our Initiatives
Uplift Michigan
It’s more than a program. It’s a strategic approach designed to ensure equitable access for all diverse entrepreneurs across the state.
Focus Four
Vision, Strategy, Execution, and Cash Flow. Focus Four is a program designed to help small business owners grow their business faster, improve profitability, elevate themselves to a more strategic role, and build more value in their companies.
Outreach
Our five-month digital and print promotional campaign was successful in targeting underserved populations across the state to increase awareness of our free services and business consulting.
New Pandemic Recovery Support
The Michigan SBDC focused on mental health services of current and new clients and added support for those hit hardest in the child care and restaurant industries.
Cybersecurity – Small Business, Big Threat
Our cybersecurity program, Small Business, Big Threat (SBBT), is a leading resource to increase small business awareness of cybersecurity threats and offer tools for small businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity plans programs.
Technology Commercialization
Our Michigan SBDC Tech Team consists of experienced consultants with first-hand experience in innovating, launching, commercializing, funding and exiting successful tech start-ups.
Operations Overhaul
Digital Transformation
Through our new website and customer relationship management system, we improved the client and consultant experience, measured the success of our programming, and improved outcomes for small businesses.
Re-brand
We gave our look and feel an upgrade and created a new voice, clear story, and succinct message across the state.
Aurelia Cisneros
RELEASE! LLC
Aurelia and Alison launched RELEASE! a kickboxing fitness studio helping people break through emotional and physical barriers by enabling them to release and restore through the physical activity of kickboxing. Aurelia was part of One and All, an 8-week cohort-based entrepreneurship training program in partnership with Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP).
The Michigan SBDC was able to assist Release with:
- Marketing Support
- Customer Engagement
- Growth Strategies
Partnership Events
Michigan Celebrates Small Business
Michigan SBDC Cyber Monday Virtual Marketplace
Great Lakes Lenders Conference
The SBDC is a critical resource partner — ensuring awareness and delivering federal assistance to Michigan small businesses — with a focus on serving minority and underrepresented communities.Laketa Henderson, Michigan District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration
The Michigan Small Business Development Center helps small businesses in our great state thrive. I am grateful for their efforts to put small businesses first, and I look forward to working with them to continue growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs in every community, and lowering costs for families.Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan
The Michigan SBDC is rising to the occasion with an innovative approach to serve the state at a time of unprecedented need.Diana Lawson, Ph.D., Dean of the Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University
The SBDC is creating transformational opportunities for Michigan’s small businesses and supporting the state’s continued strong economic growth. SBDC’s work is vital in helping more Michigan risk-taking entrepreneurs realize their dreams right here in our great state. Let’s get it!Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Introducing your Michigan SBDC 2021 State Star!
Janis Mueller, Regional Director for our Michigan SBDC I-69 Trade Corridor Region is our 2021 State Star! She is a strategic leader always looking for the best ways to help clients. Partners say that Janis’ leadership is, “an integral part of the local community’s growth and revitalization.”
