This page includes resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners.
Ask the Experts: The Microlenders Webinar
Join on April 24 from 11:00AM-12:00PM for the third episode of Ask the Experts! In this episode, they’ll dive into the world of microlending and how it can benefit your small business. This webinar will answer questions like:
- How can microlending provide accessible financing solutions?
- What steps can I take to qualify for microloans and other microlending programs?
- How does microlending differ from traditional bank loans?
- What are the advantages to microlending?
- Are there specific industries or business types that benefit most from microlending?
- What resources and support do microlenders offer beyond financial assistance
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The experts include:
- Ana Jose – Director of Business Development at Michigan Women Forward
- Alexis Hill – Loan Officer at Opportunity Resource Fund
Click HERE to register today!
IP Fundamentals: How the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can help protect your innovations
Entrepreneurs and small business owners drive economic innovation through the invention of new products, technologies and ideas, which are all commonly referred to as intellectual property (IP). However, many entrepreneurs may not recognize the value of protecting their unique IP. Neglecting to protect IP through acquisition of patents, trademarks or copyright protections can lead to disparities in opportunities to innovate, especially for small businesses.
In honor of World IP Day (April 26, 2024), please join Small Business Majority and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a briefing to learn more about the fundamentals of IP and how the USPTO can help you and your business get started with critical IP protections. This briefing will be followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and connect with USPTO representatives to discuss ways to protect your innovations.
This webinar will take place on Thursday, April 25th, 2024 at 3:00pm ET.
Click HERE to register today!
District Business Resource Fair
Does your business need help with Funding and Technical Assistance? Join your DBL for a jam-packed Resource Fair where we will bring several resources under one umbrella on Monday, April 22nd, 11 AM-2 PM at the Ford Resource and Engagement Center, 15491 Maddelein St.
Click HERE to register your business today!
Registration Open for Great Lakes Bay Supplier Summit in Bay City
PMBC and a regional economic development partnership group including Bay Future, Greater Gratiot Development, Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, Middle Michigan Development Corporation, Midland Business Alliance, and Saginaw Future, are partnering on an event connecting Michigan based suppliers to procurement opportunities with private and public purchasing organizations located in Mid-Michigan. This event will be held on Monday, May 13 in downtown Bay City.
The event will:
- Introduce local suppliers to procurement representatives from public and private organizations
- Educate suppliers on how to do business with participating buyers
- Connect suppliers to technical assistance available through a resource partner network
Registration is now open through May 10. All attendees from your organization must be registered; a group registration option is available.
Click HERE to register today!
Michigan Women Forward
Apply for a MicroLoan today ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. MicroLoan applicants must submit an application form, demographics information, personal financial statements, business plan with projections, and other supporting documents to be considered for financing. For more information about the application, visit this link.
The Historic North End Main Street can provide assistance in completing the application, if needed. If you would like assistance, please contact ltucker@vanguardcdc.org.
At Grants ‘N Such, they have the knowledge and experience to help you apply for grants that can make a difference. They will analyze your unique needs and scour appropriate databases to identify potential sources of funds. With our expertise in crafting compelling applications, they’ll do everything possible to increase your chances of success! Contact at ceo@grantsnsuch.net or call them at (707) 877-6626.
Learn more and register here.
Michigan’s Small Business Resource Finder
Michigan Economic Development Corporation has recently launched a new tool to help small businesses connect to local resources across the state. Michigan’s Small Business Resource Finder, in partnership with Start Up Space offers a searchable directory of resources for micro and place based businesses.
Entrepreneur Bootcamp & Certification Program
The Entrepreneur Bootcamp and Certification Program presented by the National Entrepreneurs Association and Comerica Bank is a 9 week virtual course that will help you understand entrepreneurship from A to Z, avoid common pitfalls, accelerate your growth and achieve your business goals faster than you thought possible. Learn more and apply here!Â
Initiate Prosperity
The North End Main Street District and the MEDC is excited to offer this online learning portal that provides small businesses access to valuable resources to help them grow and thrive in today’s economy. Visit this website at; https://medc.initiateprosperity.org/login and create an account. If you need further information contact Lisa Tucker at ltucker@vanguardcdc.org.
Mason Means Business
MASON is the iconic morning host on 105.9 KISS-FM in Detroit and the renowned public address announcer for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. He has partnered with GoDaddy to empower small businesses in Metro Detroit. Visit https://masonmeansbusiness313.com/ for more information and resources!
Are You Ready To T.H.R.I.V.E.?
T.H.R.I.V.E. is a FREE six-month intensive business training for small business entrepreneurs and executives to help them get unstuck and take their business to the next level.Â
Tis is open to small business owners and executives in Southeast Michigan who:
- Have annual revenues of at least $250,000
- Have been in business for at least 3 years
- Have at least one employee other than themselves
- Can commit to completing the entire program, including training, submitting assignments, participating during sessions, and reaching out for help
- Are coachable, ready to be challenged and supported, and willing to put in the necessary work to accelerate growth
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Kiva/Build Institute Funding
Onni Stone
Kiva Capital Access Manager at Build Institute
Do you need funding to start your business? Join Onni on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm to learn how to get a loan of $1k – $15k.
Virtual Office Hours:Â https://events.
Learn more about Kiva:Â https://www.buildinstitute.
To apply for a Kiva loan:Â https://www.kiva.org/borrow
To contact Onni directly:Â kiva@buildinstitute.org
Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business
Goldman Sachs recently announced a new initiative, One Million Black Women: Black in Business, a 12-week business education program providing Black women sole proprietors with the tools and network they need to succeed. The program includes online and in-person sessions, including all-expense paid trips to Goldman Sachs HQ in NYC, a stipend, and the opportunity to connect with a powerful network of Black women entrepreneurs and strategic advisors throughout the process.
Please share this opportunity with any Black women sole-proprietors in your networks, who should be interested.
For more information, www.gs.com/OMBW-BlackInBusiness
Detroit ACE Artist Professional Development Workshops Will Continue in JanuaryÂ
The Detroit ACE office, in partnership with ArtOps, will continue entrepreneurship and marketing training for artists in January, thanks to the support of the Kresge Foundation.
The seminars, which began last fall, will continue on the third Tuesday of the month from 6PMÂ to 7PM. Attendees will learn how to:
- Run their art practices as successful small businesses
- Join the ever-expanding network of creative entrepreneurs in Detroit
- Improve their presence on the internet
The workshops will be led by primarily Attorney Michael Hall with guest appearances from Consultant Jennifer Montgomery and others.
The schedule of workshops is below with links can be found here.
Build Pilot
“BUILDÂ PILOT, is our retail pop-up project that supports new and established entrepreneurs eager to test their concept in a brick and mortar location. Applications are now open!”
https://www.buildinstitute.org/programs/build-pop-up/
MEDC:
Michigan Economic Development CorporationÂ
This is here to assist businesses in their growth and provide Michigan with the resources and news needed to create vibrant communities.Â
DEGC:
District Business Liaisons – DEGC
Interim liaison: Lashawna Manigault
Contact: 313-294-5823
This is here to help you navigate any challenges you may face as a business owner and connect you with support. They focus on business ownersâ needs and help commercial corridors thrive.
SCORE:
SE Michigan
This is a business mentor service with the SBA. Score Southeast mentors are here to help business professionals start, develop, and grow in southeast Michigan.
Detroit Means Business:
Detroit Means Business | COVID-19 help for small and local businesses
This provides resources for reopening, financial support, and guidance from experts and webinars.
KIVA/BUILD
Additional SBA Information
- SBA Disaster Loans
- SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of Southeast Michigan Affected by Severe Storms, Flooding and Tornadoes
- S. Small Business Administration Fact Sheet
- Affected by severe storms & flooding on June 25-26? SBA RESOURCES CAN HELP! t
Accounting Aid Academy Monthly Workshops & Quarterly Office Hours.
