Save the date for the 4th Annual Small Business Resource & Financing Fair

60+ Support Organizations

We are grateful to all 63 of our Entrepreneurial Support Organizations and local Financing institutions who participated in this year’s Resource and Financing Fair. Collectively, we were able to serve over 160+ local entrepreneurs and look forward to hosting our next fair in 2026!

Featured Events at the 2026 Resource Fair

1:00pm – 1:45pm | Live Long and Prosper | Building a business that lasts for generations
Over 50% of all businesses fail within the first five years; but the best ones are built to survive a century. We’re sitting down with local business owners who have successfully navigated the transition from “daily hustle” to “lasting legacy.” Join us for a real conversation on building operational grit, planning for what’s next, and making sure your business stays strong for the long haul.

2:00pm – 2:45pm | Meet the Lenders | I’d like to Get to Know You
Sometimes it really is all about who you know. This is your chance to get the “cliff notes” on who’s who in the West Michigan funding scene. Banks, Credit Unions, and CDFIs will introduce themselves, their products, and their services in this fast-paced session designed to help you build relationships with the lending community. If you’re looking for capital but aren’t sure where to start, start here.

Real Talk About Business Financing

Two live Money Talks Panel Discussions featured lenders from the West Michigan CRA Association sharing insider advice on what it really takes to secure funding. Topics included loan packaging, underwriting, common pitfalls, and how to build stronger banking relationships. Attendees were encouraged to ask questions, making these sessions highly interactive and practical.

Ask the Experts Booth: Accounting & Legal

Don’t let technical questions stall your progress. Whether you’re navigating a contract, looking for tax clarity, or need advice on business structure, this is your chance for a direct conversation. Stop by the Ask the Experts Booth to get one-on-one guidance from professionals in accounting and law—designed to give you the answers you need to keep moving forward.

Thank you, 2026 Sponsors!