At the Michigan SBDC, we not only know small business, we know the individuals and organizations that drive it. We work closely with more than one thousand organizations, institutions, and business experts statewide — so closely, in fact, that our partners refer small business entrepreneurs to us. It’s a two-way street of support and cooperation designed to help small businesses succeed. Here are four examples of how the Michigan SBDC can connect you to Michigan’s small business network.

Mrs. Pruitt’s Gourmet CHA CHA goes global.

When Linda Kay Pruitt began using an old family recipe to produce and sell small batches of her family’s relish condiment sauce, the operation quickly grew. Soon, the home-kitchen operation was preparing, packaging and labeling products at Feast Detroit. 

The success inspired Linda Kay to expand into new U.S. markets and internationally, so she took a class called Export Tech, made possible by a partnership between the Michigan SBDC and Michigan Economic Development Corporation International Trade Services. 

Michigan SBDC Business Growth Consultant Julie Olldham then helped Linda Kay develop an export plan. With the aid of market research from ecosystem partners Grand Valley State University’s Van Andel Global Trade Center and Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business, Julie and Liinda Kay identified the United Kingdom and Canada as the ideal international markets to target. 

Today, demand for Mrs. Pruitt’s Gourmet CHA CHA is increasing here and abroad, and the company’s product line is expanding to meet that demand –– all fueled by Linda Kay’s determination and ideas and the help of the Michigan SBDC partner network connections.

Urban Paws Pet Spa finds grooming is booming.

Jennifer Wager dreamed of owning her own pet grooming business. She contacted her local chamber of commerce, which referred her to Michigan Women Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to the economic empowerment of women and minorities. They, in turn, recommended Jennifer contact the Michigan SBDC. 

Michigan SBDC Business Consultant Shannon Schwabe helped  develop a business plan and financial projections. Within five months, Jennifer had secured a 1,000-square-foot location for Urban Paws Pet Spa. Seven months later, she was looking for larger quarters, thanks in part to five-year projections that told her it was financially smart for her to do so. Today, after the move, Jennifer’s shop has tripled the number of customers it serves and its weekly revenue.

A stay-at-home mom becomes an international yarn entrepreneur.

Deirdre Darr had a talent for dying wool. She dreamed of selling her beautiful yarns to customers so they could “fall in love with what they made with them.” The problem was, she had no experience in business. She made a list of the things she wanted to learn and then contacted the Michigan SBDC and Business Consultant Mariah Goos. 

Mariah gave Deirdre critical guidance on:

• Writing and implementing a business plan
• Effective cash management
• Marketing and sales.

Once Deirdre’s business was up and running, she shared her goal of exporting her yarn. Mariah turned to her coworker, Nicole Young Potvin, for assistance. Nicole connected Darr with the U.S. Commercial Service and Michigan Economic Development Corporation. 

Today, not only has Deirdre’s company, Keenan Hand Dyed Yarn, become a success, she has completed export training and is ready to introduce her products in Australia and Canada.

Brewpub owners find a smooth road to expansion.

Hartland Brewing Company was such a success for owners Nikki and RyanMcDonald that they decided to add another location in the nearby town of Linden. Their challenge was real estate: they wanted to establish the Linden Brewing Company in a historic downtown building, one that was in a state of disrepair. 

Their contractor connected them with Michigan SBDC Regional Director Janis Mueller, who helped them apply for MEDC’s Michigan Community Reinvestment Program. This led to additional support from the Linden Chamber of Commerce.

Once the process was completed, Ryan and Nikki secured a significant grant for their project. Today, their company has more than 20 employees on the payroll and is a vibrant business and social hub.

In short, whatever your goals, start your small business planning by working with the SBDC. You’ll not only get access to free advice and services from our small business experts, you’ll open the door to a vast statewide network of individuals and organizations that want to help you succeed.

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