I-69 Trade Corridor Region
Kettering University
Serving Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair and Tuscola counties
Kettering University
1700 University Ave.
Campus Center, 5th Floor
Flint, MI 48504
Janis Mueller, Regional Director
Email: jmueller1@kettering.edu
Phone: 810.762.9660
Hours: 8am-5pm ET Monday-Friday
Partner of the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance Small Business Support Hub, Eastern Michigan Small Business Network Hub, and the Economic Development Alliance of Saint Clair County.
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 I-69 Trade Corridor Region, we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs like you build strong, resilient businesses. Let’s take your next step—together. Ready to get started?
I-69 Trade Corridor 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!
Janis Mueller
Regional Director
Janis Mueller is the Regional Director for the I-69 Trade Corridor Region of the Michigan Small Business Development Center, hosted at Kettering University. She brings a diverse background in business advising, entrepreneurship, and community development, with previous experience as a Senior Business Consultant and interim Regional Director for the SBTDC in Wilmington, North Carolina. Passionate about supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurial growth in the Flint area, Janis is dedicated to building strong partnerships with local and regional resource providers. Her background includes family business ownership, international business expertise, and advanced consulting certifications. She holds a B.S. in International Business and German from Eastern Michigan University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Julie Filary
Intake Administrative Specialist
Julie has served as the Intake Administrative Specialist for the I-69 Trade Corridor Region of the Michigan SBDC since July 2007. A proud Flint native and graduate of Mott Community College with a degree in Business, she brings a wealth of customer service expertise and is known for her genuine care and strong communication skills. As the first point of contact for many entrepreneurs and business owners, Julie takes pride in helping others, whether by answering questions, connecting them to resources, or guiding them through the startup journey. Based at Kettering University, the region’s host institution, she thrives in an environment where innovation, education, and community development come together.
Harry Blecker
Senior Business Consultant
Harry Blecker is a Michigan SBDC Senior Business Consultant at Kettering University, where he advises business owners and entrepreneurs on startup and growth strategies. He has also supported the Michigan SBDC State Director with state and federal legislative liaison efforts and has served as an adjunct faculty member at Lansing Community College, teaching business planning and related subjects. Harry holds a B.A. in Physical Geography and a Master of Urban Planning from the University of Michigan, and his career spans roles as a project and operations manager, university program director, community college instructor, and private consultant. He is certified in the New and Growth Venture FastTrac program from the Kauffman Foundation and has completed training in Strategy Matrix, Implication Wheels, and the Seven Habits for Small Business Managers. Deeply involved in community service, Harry has served on numerous boards, including the UM-Flint Alumni Society, Flint River Watershed Coalition, Downtown Development Authority, and Michigan Business Incubator Association, among many others.
Shannon Schwabe
Senior Business Consultant
Shannon Schwabe has been supporting entrepreneurs with the SBDC since 2018. A proud St. Clair County native with a B.A. in Business Administration from Wayne State University and a concentration in Supply Chain Management, Shannon brings both strategic insight and hands-on experience to her work. She specializes in helping startups and established businesses create strong business plans, financial projections, and marketing strategies. Her own entrepreneurial background gives her a deep understanding of small business challenges, and she remains a passionate advocate for local business growth.
Emily Marrah
Business Consultant
Emily Marrah brings over 15 years of experience in hospitality, event planning, and business development. A graduate of Michigan State University with a B.A. in Hospitality Business. Emily has held leadership roles at premier venues including Café Boulud Palm Beach and The Breakers Palm Beach, where she drove growth through customized catering programs and high-profile event execution. She also founded EMC3, LLC, a consulting firm focused on helping hospitality businesses expand private dining and catering services, streamline operations, and elevate marketing efforts. Known for her expertise in revenue analysis, menu development, and financial oversight, Emily now applies her broad skill set to help small business owners navigate growth and improve profitability across industries.
Jacob Vaughn
Business Consultant
Jacob Vaughn is a Business Consultant with the Michigan SBDC, supporting small business entrepreneurs in Genesee County through the Small Business Support Hub and partnerships within the Genesee Entrepreneurial Network. A Davison native and Kettering University graduate with a B.S. in Business Administration, Jacob’s passion for consulting began during a senior capstone project with the MI-SBDC. After working in supply chain management, he returned to Kettering as a full-time consultant, helping clients with business planning, financial projections, market research, and incorporation. He regularly hosts consultations at Berston Field House, attends local network events, and leads training sessions. Jacob is currently pursuing his MBA to further enhance the support he provides to the small business community.
James Shuttleworth
Business Consultant
James Shuttleworth has served Flint and Genesee County since 2012 and specializes in hands-on support for underserved entrepreneurs. A dedicated community advocate, James is a founding team member of Flint SOUP and Board Secretary of Doxa Development, a nonprofit focused on breaking cycles of poverty through marketplace solutions. He brings a unique background that includes years as a Critical Care Paramedic and instructor, as well as international experience leading medical clinics and development projects across six countries. James studied International Community Health and Development at Elim Bible Institute and is a graduate of the International School of Ministry.
Julie Oldham, CPA, CGMA
Business Growth Consultant
Julie serves small businesses across Michigan, providing expertise in financial analysis, strategic planning, succession strategies, SBA lending, exporting, and cybersecurity. A NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional and cybersecurity certified, she brings decades of experience in accounting across multiple industries, including advertising, healthcare, hospitality, and IT. Julie holds two master’s degrees from Walsh College (Management and Public Accounting) and a bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from Michigan State University. She is also a college professor who teaches companies how to use financial data as a management tool, both domestically and abroad. Julie has earned numerous accolades, including the 2023 SBDC State Star Award, the SBA Consultant of the Year, and the highest capital formation in Michigan SBDC history. She remains active in professional associations such as MICPA, AICPA, the Canada-U.S. Business Association, and the Accounting Aid Society.
Kris Reinelt
Business Consultant
Kris Reinelt is a marketing and communications professional with over 30 years of experience in business administration, marketing, business development, and small business coaching across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She founded Infinite Creative Services, Inc., in 2006 and has supported businesses throughout Michigan with strategic marketing and growth strategies. Kris currently serves as a Small Business Consultant for the MI-SBDC, covering Lapeer and Tuscola counties, and previously held roles with both the Great Lakes Bay Region (now Lake Huron Region) and the MI-SBDC Lead Center. Her background also includes corporate marketing, tourism promotion, and teaching at the college level. She holds a Master’s in Management and Marketing from Walsh College and a BBA in Business and Communication Arts from Aquinas College. Kris is active in her community, serves on the Advisory Board of the Therapeutic Equestrian Center, and resides in Mayville with her husband and cat.
Lisa Kenny
Business Consultant
Lisa Kenny is the Hub Small Business Consultant for Huron and Sanilac Counties with the Michigan SBDC, bringing decades of entrepreneurial experience and deep local insight to her role. A Certified Small Business Consultant and lifelong Sanilac County resident, Lisa has supported hundreds of small business owners with marketing, sales, financing, and strategic planning. She launched her first business at 15 to help pay for college and has owned On Target Marketing since 2004. Her roots in her family’s retail stores and involvement in local Chambers of Commerce fuel her passion for small business success. Lisa is also active in her community, serving multiple organizations in the Thumb. She lives on a hobby farm outside Sandusky with her husband, Scott, and their seven rescue pets.
Elaine “Lainey” Berg
Business Consultant
Elaine “Lainey” Berg is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources and 8 years in real estate, bringing a strong background in training, customer service, and consulting and also serves as a MI Notary Public. She is committed to providing reliable, detail-oriented support while helping others achieve their personal and professional goals. Guided by values of integrity, grit, and openness, Lainey’s mission is to empower individuals by creating learning opportunities and building on existing strengths. Her passion lies in inspiring those with drive and initiative to reach their full potential. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, golfing, and sharing good wine.
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