Michigan SBDC In the News
Please see below for a list of recent media and press mentions of the MI-SBDC
Princess and the Hound wins $5,000 first prize in ‘Pitch Your Future’
And then there was one. Princess and the Hound, a mobile pet grooming salon, took home top honors and $5,000 as the winner of the inaugural Business by the Bay: Pitch Your Future event.
Top small business grants in Michigan
Michigan has about 910,000 small business owners statewide who can apply for small business grants. Submitting an application and competing for Michigan small business grants can help you grow your small or medium-sized enterprise in the Wolverine State.
MEDC provides $73 million to support entrepreneurship centers across the state
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to announce that 27 organizations have been selected to serve as entrepreneurship hubs across the state of Michigan, providing comprehensive resources and support to the state’s small businesses.
Ann Arbor SPARK And Partners Receive Maximum Grant Award
Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on Nov. 9 to announce that 27 organizations, including Ann Arbor SPARK, have been selected to serve as entrepreneurial hubs across the state of Michigan, providing comprehensive resources and support to the state’s small businesses.
he Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP), in collaboration with the Lansing Regional SmartZone LDFA Board, has achieved a significant milestone by progressing to the next phase of a $3.5 million grant, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship across the rural and urban Lansing three-county region.
Bay City entrepreneurs pitch their dreams to a panel of judges in hopes of winning $5,000
The Business by the Bay: Pitch Your Future contest on Wednesday night ended with a princess and a hound winning $3,750 to build a mobile pet grooming business.
The final part of the Business By the Bay Competition – supported by Bay Future, Michigan Small Business Development Center, Huntington Bank, Bay County Growth Alliance, and Wildfire Credit Union – was held at the State Theatre.
17 Things to Know BEFORE Moving to Michigan in 2023: Embracing the Great Lakes Lifestyle
Michigan, known as the Great Lakes State, is a place of natural beauty, economic opportunity, and cultural diversity. It’s essential to consider various factors before making the move. This post will guide you through the crucial aspects to consider, from the climate to the job market, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your transition to Michigan.
Saginaw Soup winners take home $3K in prizes. See who they are.
SAGINAW, MI – For the second time this year, three Saginaw entrepreneurs have been named winners of the bi-annual Saginaw Soup business pitch competition.
The competition, which began in 2020, allows entrepreneurs, businesses and non-profit organizations to win cash prizes and other resources, such as pop-up shops at the SVRC Marketplace and business coaching.
‘Business by the Bay: Pitch Your Future’ Nov. 8 at State Theatre in Bay City
Five local entrepreneurs will take center stage at the State Theatre in Bay City on Nov. 8 to present their future business plans to a panel of industry experts in an inaugural event called “Business by the Bay: Pitch Your Future.”
The event, the brainchild of Bay Future, Inc. and the Michigan Small Business Development Center, is designed to foster small business prosperity and economic growth opportunities within Bay County’s entrepreneurial community.
It’s a challenging time for small businesses affected by the ongoing auto industry negotiations, and the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is here to help.
What it means: The Michigan SBDC offers no-cost consulting for suppliers, restaurant owners or dislocated workers interested in starting a business. Businesses affected by the negotiations will hear back within one business day.
DBusiness Daily Update: Community Unity Bank Officially Opens Wednesday in Birmingham, and More
October 17, 2023
Michigan SBDC Offers No-cost ‘Forming Your LLC’ In-person Workshop
Small business owners and entrepreneurs are invited to learn about and create their own limited liability company (LLC) business entity and how to file their articles of organization using the state of Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ (LARA) website at a no-cost in-person workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at Schoolcraft College in Livonia.
PITCH BLACK GRAND RAPIDS
September 28, 2023 | WZZM ABC13
Four Kent County Black-owned businesses share $10,500 in prize money from ‘Pitch Black’
September 28, 2023 | Wood TV 8
GR competition aims to uplift Black-owned businesses
September 28, 2023 | WZZM ABC13
Watch the Pitch Black competition Thursday at GVSU
September 27, 2023 | Crain’s Grand Rapid’s Business
Pitch competition for Black entrepreneurs moves to Kent County
September 20, 2023 | WKTV
Local Black business owners unveil heart behind their businesses in Pitch Black Grand Rapids competition Sept. 28
September 20, 2023 | MLive
Black-owned business pitch competition boasts $10K in cash prizes
September 19, 2023 | Black Hot Fire Network
Black-owned Business Pitch Competition Boasts $10K in Cash Prizes
September 16, 2023 | Crast Business News
Pitch Black Grand Rapids offers pitch competition for black entrepreneurs
September 16, 2023 | MITechNews.com
Pitch Black Grand Rapids Offers Pitch Contest For Black Entrepreneurs
September 11, 2023 | 100.5 The River, Magic 104.9, 98.7 FGR, Mix 95.7, WGRD 97.9
Michigan SBDC Sets To Give $10,000 To Grand Rapids Black Business In PITCH BLACK Competition
Washtenaw County “microbusinesses” get mentoring, funding through Small Business Growth Activator
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Duane Pittman, CEO of Ann Arbor-based Vector Electric, Inc., saw an opportunity to offer something other businesses weren’t providing: advice on managing a federal government contract once you’ve won the bid.
A self-employed engineer since the mid-’70s, Pittman worked as an electrical contractor for the federal government up until COVID-19 hit. During the pandemic, he had time to reflect on his business plan and how to maximize his expertise now that, as he says, “it’s easier to get into government contracting than it used to be.”
Nominations open for Michigan Celebrates Small Business 2024
LANSING—Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards program, a prestigious annual competition that recognizes successful growing businesses and their supporters. The winners will be honored at the 20th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala May 21, 2024.
A fledgling physician’s practice aims to offer health care via subscription in Flint
Dr. Aisha Harris, the owner of Harris Family Health on North Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, has perhaps the smallest clinic in Genesee County.
FREIGHTMINER’S NOVEL APPROACH TO AUTONOMOUS TRUCKING
At this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, artificial intelligence will no doubt take center stage. From Big Three showcases to startup technology like May Mobility, companies will be showing off the latest technology in autonomous driving.
There’s one company that’s taking it a step further.
FreightMiner, an early-stage startup based in Ann Arbor, is developing autonomous driving technologies that enable commercial fleet trucks to operate entirely without a driver.
What’s that? Sweet new business is setting up shop in Freeland
FREELAND, MI — A Bay City-based bakery known for its best-selling Almond Joy cookies, jalapeno cheese bread, freshly-baked hot dog and burger buns, and grab-and-go meals like chicken pot pie and lasagna is expanding its sweet business into Saginaw County.
13 Cost-Effective Strategies for Marketing Research on a Budget
Small businesses often grapple with finding cost-effective market research strategies. To help them, we’ve gathered thirteen insightful strategies from professionals, including market research data analysts and CEOs. From leveraging online surveys for research to tapping into your existing customer base, these experts share their best tips for making informed marketing decisions.
“Business by the Bay: Pitch Your Future” courts startups
Bay Future and the Michigan Small Business Development Center are launching a new initiative aimed at helping turn dreams of owning your own business into a reality.
How a laid-off autoworker found a village to launch his honey business
August 11, 2023 | By Tom Henderson at Crain’s Detroit
It may not take a village to raise a beehive, but it sure helps, says Jason Bey, owner of a Flint-based honey company called My Bees Nest LLC.
40 Under 40 SBDC Trailblazers to be Recognized at the America’s SBDC Conference in Nashville, TN
August 7, 2023 by Cision PR Newswire
The America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 awards spotlight the extraordinary contributions of individuals under the age of 40 in the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network who have significantly contributed to their local networks and the small business landscape.
How can you utilize The Small Business Administration (SBA) to Grow Your Business? Podcast on how to!
Posted on August 2, 2023
Today Jean will chat it up with Laketa Johnson, District Director for Michigan District Office on the programs and resources available for FREE to anyone who is interested in starting a new business, as well as current business owners looking for that edge to take their business to the next level.
Kalamazoo’s RJ’s Printing legacy grows with new chapter and new owner
July 27, 2023 Second Wave Media Southwest Michigan – Mike Wenninger
Imagine being perfectly suited to take over a well-established, highly respected small business but you must first get over two big hurdles: arrange financing worth roughly a half-million dollars and deal with the restrictions of the COVID pandemic.
Sean Hollins of Kalamazoo got it done with help from financial organizations that exist for just this purpose — four such organizations in Hollins’ case.
Michigan Business Network |Mackinac Policy Conference 23
July 2023 | by Michigan Business Beat
$5,000 top prize offered in Black business competition
June 14 WWZM
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — You still have until the end of the day, Friday, July 14 to submit your application for Pitch Black, a competition for Black business owners. The idea is to help them improve and sustain their companies with a little extra guidance.
How would you like a rich, pecan cake with a homemade pecan butter and cheesecake pudding in the middle, as well as toasted pecans and caramel sauce?
AI webinar
GRAND RAPIDS — The Michigan Small Business Development Center offers the webinar “AI for Small Businesses: Empowering Growth and Efficiency” at 11 a.m. July 11.
Small business owners can learn how to use artificial intelligence (AI), related terms and more. Sign up at https://bit.ly/445I77E.
Michigan EdTech Pitch Contest awards $22,000 to five education innovators
LANSING, Mich. — Edtech innovators from Spelling Safari have been chosen as the winners of the second annual Michigan EdTech Innovation Pitch Contest, sharing $22,000 in business startup grants and legal and creative startup assistance with four other finalists. The concepts developed from the final pitches will be used to improve Michigan classrooms through innovation, technology and firsthand educator experience.
Crypto-mining student business honored with $10,000 award
June 28, 2023 | by WMU News
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University student entrepreneur Payton Walker, founder of CryptoShovel, recently won the Brian Patrick Thomas Entrepreneurial Spirit Award totaling $10,000. The award recognizes students in Starting Gate, Western Michigan University’s business accelerator, and specifically honors companies that have a great business model and a higher social purpose.
Free, live webinar discusses being successful in the restaurant industry
June 19, 2023 | by WKTV staff
Small business owners and the general public are invited to a one-hour, no-cost Michigan SBDC webinar at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 20, to discuss “Thriving in the Restaurant Industry: Challenges and Opportunities.”
Couple launches Ahh! Venture Cruise on Lake Macatawa in Holland
June 12, 2023 | by Madalyn Buursma
PARK TWP. — A local couple wants to share the joy of boating with their new private cruise business.
Success Stories: Michigan Small Business Development Center’s
Impact on Local Enterprises
June 2, 2023 | by knbbs-sharer
Michigan Small Business Development Center is playing a vital role in the development of local enterprises by offering them various resources and assistance programs.
County partner wins SBDC state star award
May 31, 2023 | by Macomb County Business
Julie Oldham has been awarded the prestigious Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) State Star Award by the SBDC.
Sand Bay Marina wins small business award
May 6, 2023 | by Steve Schulwitz
ALPENA — A Presque Isle business was recognized for its service to the community by a state business collaborative earlier this week.
Wood Shop Social is awarded 2023 Best Small Business at MCSB Gala
May 4, 2023 | by Courtney Jerome
On Tuesday, May 2, Mt. Pleasant restaurant Wood Shop Social was awarded as one of the 2023 Michigan SBDC Best Small Businesses at the 19th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Gala for their positive impact.
Mid-Michigan businesses Groovy Donuts, RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream recognized at gala
May 2, 2023 | by Kate Holloway
Donuts and ice cream will be two of mid-Michigan’s representatives at the annual Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses Awards Gala on Tuesday.
Michigan Business Beat | J.D. Collins – SBDC Supporting Small Business and Michigan Celebrates!
May 1, 2023 | by Michigan Business Beat
Mid Michigan Businesses Don’t Have to Grow Alone No Cost Advice Available
April 13, 2023 | by Shawn Johnson
Tony Fox’s path to the Michigan Small Business Development Center at Mid Michigan College was “a little unexpected,” he says. As a youth growing up in Beale City, he learned firsthand the construction business while working in his father’s business.
Access to credit may tighten, but Michigan banks maintain ‘strong’ health
April 11, 2023 | by Mark Sanchez
Michigan’s banking sector remains in good shape, despite the high-profile collapse last month of Silicon Valley Bank in California and New York’s Signature Bank that gave rise to concern about the state of the industry.
Michigan Celebrates Small Business | Thumb Roast Coffee
April 4, 2023 | by Michigan Business Network
In a lead-up to the 2023 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala Celebration, Jeffrey Mosher spoke with several winning companies from this cycle. This year’s gala will take place at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, MI, on May 2nd!
Bark River’s Eagle Link gets small business award
April 1, 2023 | by DailyPress
Eagle Link, LLC of 1364 Old US 2/41 Bark River has been recognized as one of the 2023 awardees for the Best Small Business Award, presented by Michigan Celebrates Small Business. Eagle Link, LLC will be acknowledged on stage at the in-person awards ceremony during the 19th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala on May 2.
2023 Michigan 50 Companies To Watch Generate $453 Million In Annual Revenue
March 28, 2023 | by Mike Brennan
The 2023 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch awardees are small and mighty, having generated significant economic impact across the state.
Small business comes up big
March 28, 2023 | by Chloe Miller
RJ’s Metropolitan Ice Cream Co., 135 E. Michigan Ave., is among 11 businesses statewide being recognized by the Michigan Small Business Development Center.
Small business comes up big
March 22, 2023 | by Mark Urban, The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.
The pandemic forced many a small Michigan business to shift gears. Hybrid Robotics took it a little more literal than some small companies.
Small businesses: The heart of Michigan’s economy and communities
March 20, 2023 | by MEDC
Small businesses help to drive innovation, create jobs and contribute to the growth and vitality of communities everywhere.
Have you visited Michigan’s sweet “Best Small Business” for 2023?
March 17, 2023 | by Laura Hardy
There’s something special about being a supporter of a local business. Not only do you get the satisfaction of knowing you’re potentially helping a family in your own community, if you’re like me you might make friends out of them as you continue to frequent their business. You build a relationship that makes our community special, while also keeping money in our Michigan economy.
Bay City’s Barney’s Bakehouse Bakery named among Michigan’s ‘Best Small Businesses’
March 17, 2023 | by Heather Jordan
BAY CITY, MI — The Michigan Small Business Development Center has named Bay City’s Barney’s BakeHouse Bakery among Michigan’s “Best Small Businesses.”
Smaller banks, startups focus on diversification in wake of bank collapses
March 17, 2023 | by Nike Manes
Customers line up outside Silicon Valley Bank headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif., on March 13, after the collapse of the bank prompted federal regulators to make moves to contain the fallout in the U.S. banking system.
DBusiness Daily Update: Best Michigan Small Businesses to be Honored at May 2 Gala
March 16, 2023 | by Tim Keenan and RJ King
Eleven Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) clients will receive Best Small Business awards at the 19th Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala May 2, at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.
Small Business Impact & Issues in Michigan
March 14, 2023 | by MI Business Matters
Wendy Block – Senior VP of Business Advocacy & Member Engagement at the Michigan Chamber, is joined by J.D. Collins – CEO & Director of the Michigan Small Business Development Center and Lorri Rishar – Owner & CEO of Edge Partnerships. They explore the massive impact small businesses play in our communities and economy, touch on the biggest trends/changes and challenges/opportunities facing small businesses now, and share some of the resources can help small businesses face these challenges!
Pitch competition to help jumpstart West Michigan food and beverage startups
March 13, 2023 | by Abby Poirier
A group of state and West Michigan partners are teaming up to hold a pitch competition for food and beverage businesses looking for support to start or scale their operations.
Michigan Microbusiness Coalition Launches to Support Startups and Small Ventures
March 7, 2023 | by R.J. King
The New Economy Initiative (NEI) and Michigan Municipal League (MML) Foundation today announced the formation of the Michigan Microbusiness Coalition.
Change-Ups: Business Services
February 3, 2023 | by Business Journal Staff
The Michigan Small Business Development Center promoted Beth Roszatycki to chief client services officer.
Ongoing wave of entrepreneurship continues to grow in Michigan
January 30, 2023 | by Gina Joseph
Mario Kiezi remembers as a boy when Oakland Mall in Troy was like New York City, especially during the holidays and special events, and it’s that spirited and jovial environment that he plans to redevelop as its new owner.
Iaso Therapeutics Announces First Close in $1.25M Equity Series Seed Preferred Financing
January 26, 2023 | by Shantel
Iaso Therapeutics, a Michigan State University startup developing novel technologies for next-generation vaccines, recently closed the first tranche of the company’s $1.25M Series Seed Preferred round of financing.
Downtown Manistee could see boutique hotel in 2024.
January 25, 2023 | by Kyle Kotecki
Hotel creators plan to bring ‘back a piece of history’
Refill U.P. helps residents kick the plastic habit.
January 5, 2023 | by Rosemary Parker
The world is awash in plastic waste, and a new business in the Upper Peninsula is tackling that pervasive environmental problem one day, one person, one shower or one load of laundry at a time.
Kildee secures federal funds for 15 mid-Michigan community projects and Flint registry
December 23, 2022 | Press Release
Bipartisan Government Funding Bill Will Create Jobs, Help Grow Mid-Michigan’s Economy.
Checklist for owners looking to maintain their customer base
December 22, 2022 | by George Fotis
As a prior owner of a national uniform business with a huge customer base, the end of the year was always a very busy time for our sales and marketing team.
New Washtenaw County program offers $5,000 grants, business growth programs for microbusinesses
December 21, 2022 | by Brooke Marshall
In January, a new Washtenaw County program will allow microbusiness owners to apply for a $5,000 grant and a spot in one of five business growth programs.
Comfort foods so the average guy off the street could enjoy
December 12, 2022
Kalamazoo County’s first all-vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free restaurant opens in Portage.
Eagle Mine and MTU Partner for EV Battery Recycling Innovation and Climate Sustainability
December 5, 2022
CHAMPION, MI – On November 16, the Biden Administration announced a $74 million funding package to advance domestic battery recycling and reuse that will strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain.
Michigan Tech and Eagle Mine Partner for EV Battery Recycling Innovation and Climate Sustainability
November 29, 2022
By: Michigan Tech News
On Nov. 16, the Biden Administration announced a $74 million funding package to advance domestic battery recycling and reuse that will strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain. Michigan Technological University and Eagle Mine are co-recipients of part of this funding. $8.1 million will be used to prove new research technologies that develop sustainable processes to supply critical minerals for electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.
‘Shark Tank’ to Feature Traverse City-based Lighting Company Action Glow
November 17, 2022
The founders of Action Glow, a Traverse City-based marketer and manufacturer of aftermarket, low profile, and lightweight lighting systems for the action sports enthusiast, will appear on ABC-TV’s reality show “Shark Tank” Friday at 8 p.m.
Marketing Business Network Channel: Automated ordering systems are both good and bad news for fast-food workers
November 4, 2022
Robo-ordering has come to a Checkers drive-through in Kalamazoo. The restaurant on Drake Road in Kalamazoo recently installed a voice-activated drive-through ordering system.
Traverse City Record: SBDC clients earn grants
October 12, 2022
GRAND RAPIDS — Michigan Small Business Development Center TechTeam clients GEKOT Inc., Mouvit and Nimbus earned a total of $185,000 in grants from the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform.
Nerdwallet: 5 Ways Small Business Can Offset High Gas Prices
September 23, 2022
Financial forecasting and energy efficiency improvements can help small businesses save money, regardless of how gas prices change.
MiBiz: Pandemic creates ‘sense of urgency’ for succession planning
September 11, 2022
Amid its many strains on companies, the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have prompted more owners to think about the future and eventually pass a family business down to the next generation.
Traverse City Record Eagle: Webinar on rising tensions slated
August 24, 2022
The Michigan Small Business Development Center will hold a webinar on the rising tensions between businesses and customers Aug. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon.
DBusiness: Webinar to Address Rising Tensions Between Entrepreneurs and Customers
August 24, 2022
Small business owners and the general public are invited to a one-hour, no-cost MI-SBDC webinar at 11 a.m. Aug. 25 to discuss rising tensions between entrepreneurs and customers.
Leaders, Organizations & Stakeholders Applaud Peters for Leading Historic Law to Stabilize USPS and Promote Long-Term Sustainable Service
July 8, 2022
DETROIT, MI – Officials representing key organizations and stakeholders in Michigan and across the country are applauding U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, for leading historic, bipartisan reforms to set the United States Postal Service on a more sustainable financial footing and support the goal of providing long-term reliable service across the country.
Entrepreneurship growth slows amid economic challenges
June 24, 2022
After a year that saw unprecedented growth in new small businesses in the state, that growth is being hampered by a series of economic anomalies this year.
Nerdwallet: How to Tell if Free Business Software Will Cost You
June 10, 2022
“There’s an advantage in paying upfront and trying to find the right solution that can meet the business’s needs where they’re at, but also where they’re expecting to go,” says Joni Krolczyk, senior business consultant at the Michigan Small Business Development Center.
MI Tech News: 32 SBDC Clients And SBDC Southeast Region Earn Recognition
May 17, 2022
Thirty-two small businesses that worked with the SBDC took the stage for awards ranging from “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” to “Best Small Businesses” and more.
Gov. Whitmer Announces New Data Showing Record Small Business Growth
May 16, 2022
“The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in Michigan,” said J.D. Collins, CEO of Michigan Small Business Development Center, a statewide resource for small businesses.
SooLeader: Billington takes on new role to help local business reach potential
April 18, 2022
“SBDC’s mission is to help small businesses succeed, and Joshua’s new role is pivotal in ensuring that we deliver on that,” said SBDC State Director J.D. Collins