Tap into these organizations for networking, mentoring, funding and more.

In school we learn from teachers and peers. In sports, performance improves when we work with teammates and coaches. So it makes sense that our businesses can grow and thrive more when business owners have support. We’re fortunate to have several resources in our region dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed. Check out the organizations listed below to see if one matches your business needs.

Battle Creek Food Reimagined

The goal of Battle Creek Food Reimagined is to help food businesses accelerate growth. They do this by providing food entrepreneurs with access to food consultants, R&D facilities and university-led technology and entrepreneurship support programs. Learn more at https://www.bcfood.org

Can-Do Kalamazoo

This small business hub is run by entrepreneurs who help entrepreneurs from all backgrounds—and at any stage of business—grow and thrive. They offer Can-Do Programs, working spaces and more. Learn more at https://www.candokalamazoo.org

Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation

GRCCT believes that businesses help create flourishing communities, and the way to success is through starting and scaling many different enterprises that work together synergistically. To support this aim, GRCCT provides pathways for entrepreneurial development and investment. Learn more at https://www.grcct.com

Lansing Economic Area Partnership

LEAP is an economic development organization serving the tri-county region of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to grow, retain and attract businesses to Lansing. They help every type of business—from Main Street to high-tech and everything in between—start and scale their ventures. Learn more at https://www.purelansing.com

Muskegon Innovation Hub

Established by the City of Muskegon, Grand Valley State University and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Muskegon Innovation Hub provides regional support with business incubation, coworking space and funding assistance for tech companies. Learn more at https://www.gvsu.edu/mihub/

SBAM Association

The Small Business Association of Michigan helps small businesses succeed and thrive through research and programming, as well as training and education—particularly for those belonging to marginalized and economically challenged communities. Learn more at https://www.sbam.org/sbam-foundation/

Start Garden

Members of this Grand Rapids organization get access to a network of entrepreneurs, resources and co-working space to help start-ups get going and accelerate. Start Garden also helps entrepreneurs locate specialized expertise, like legal, accounting, intellectual property, technology development and manufacturing. Learn more at  https://startgarden.com

West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 

Based in Grand Rapids, this organization advances Latinx businesses and talent in West Michigan through networking, business education and economic development. They also advocate for the professional growth and insertion into the local workforce of Hispanic students, recent graduates and professionals. Learn more at: https://westmihcc.org

Find more business support

Other organizations that support businesses large and small are local chambers of commerce. Seach the nationwide Chamber of Commerce Directory to find one near you.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation also has an online list of resources for small business support.

At Consumers, we believe knowledge is power. That’s why we offer seminars on everything from HR initiatives to marketing and money management. To get more information or set up a seminar for your team, email [email protected].

 

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