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Who We Are

We’re here to help you succeed.

The Michigan Small Business Development Center provides consulting, business education and market research to help small businesses launch, grow, transition and innovate.

The Michigan SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies.

With ten offices across the state, we provide entrepreneurs and business owners with convenient access to free consulting and training throughout Michigan.

The Michigan SBDC is committed to fostering and sustaining a culture of inclusion through equitable outreach and service to Michigan’s diverse business community.

Our Leadership Team

Our team is united by a common theme: love for Michigan small businesses! Meet the leaders committed to making a difference for businesses like yours.

Our Partners

All of this small business support—for free? Yes, you read that right. 

Thanks to federal and state funding from the U.S. Small Businesses Administration, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and our local hosts, we’re able to offer high-quality consulting and resources to you at no cost.

There’s no need to travel—Michigan SBDC consultants are located throughout the state. Our strategic partnerships allow us to provide local solutions to your small business no matter where you are in the Mitten.

Our 2023 Impact

$221 Million

 in Capital Formation

Rocket icon, blue

506

New Businesses Started

1,755

Jobs Created

8,285

Unique Clients Served

Advisory Board

Our advisory board understands Michigan’s economy and works hard every day to spur it toward success. We collaborate with representatives from local chambers of commerce, educational institutions, professional associations and economic development organizations.

Erica Armstrong, MD, IFMCP, Founder / CEO, Root Functional Medicine
Jim Baker, Associate Vice President for Research Administration, Michigan Technological University
Tim Busche, President & CEO, Envision Health
Carolyn Cassin, President & CEO, Michigan Women Forward
J.D. Collins, CEO / Executive Director, Michigan SBDC
Christian Conroy, Strategy and Leadership Consultant, TA Advisors
Matt Gillette, Founder / CEO, Saddleback BBQ
Jody Hayden, Owner, Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate

Laketa Henderson, Michigan District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Lee Hotchkiss, Small Business Group Manager, Comerica Bank
Marcus Jackson, VP, Community & Economic Development II, Fifth Third Bank
Christy Malone, Founder / President, Smart Bottoms, Inc.
Jim McBryde, President / CEO, Middle Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC)
Tricia Phelps, CEO, Taste the Local Difference
Alain Piette, Technology Team Manager, Michigan SBDC
Tawnya Rose, Community Development Manager, Fifth Third Bank

Joe Sobieralski, President / CEO, Battle Creek Unlimited
Wendy Thomas, Regional Director, Southeast Region, Michigan SBDC
Robert Wilkie, Founder & Owner, RJs Metropolitan Ice Cream Co.
Renee Williams, Sr Vice President, Community Development, Huntington Bank