Register Here

Round 1 - January 26, 2024 10AM to 12PM at U of M Flint (At Kiva in our UCEN Building) 
Round 2 (FOR FINALISTS) February 14, 2024 10AM to 12PM at SC4 Fine Arts Theatre

REGISTER TO COMPETE

Click to Register

Wed, December 6, 2023, 12:00 PM ET

Wed, December 6, 2023, 1:00 PM ET

Which customers are the lowest-hanging fruit for your business? What sets you apart from the competition? Tips for doing the research that will give you an edge.

Presented by UP SBDC Marketing Consultant Nicole Potvin, Mariah Goos

https://michigansbdc.org/get-started/training-events/view/

Wed, November 15, 2023, 12:00 PM ET

Wed, November 15, 2023, 1:00 PM ET

Is there more to a brand than a fancy logo? Learn what makes a brand stand out.

Presented by UP SBDC Marketing Consultant Nicole Potvin, Mariah Goos

https://michigansbdc.org/get-started/training-events/view/

About

Unlock the future of additive manufacturing with metal 3D printing! Join us for an exclusive information session designed to demystify the fascinating world of metal 3D printing, tailored specifically for academia, and presented by industry leader Meltio.

Are you a researcher, educator, or student curious about the limitless possibilities that metal 3D printing holds for your field? Look no further! Automation Alley member Meltio, leaders in the world of additive manufacturing, invite you to explore this game-changing technology that is reshaping industries worldwide at Accufacture for a presentation and live demonstration.

Event Highlights:

• Comprehensive Overview: Get an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of metal 3D printing, its evolution, and its transformative impact and its affordability and versatility.

• Application Insights: Discover how metal 3D printing is revolutionizing fields such as engineering, materials science, aerospace, healthcare, and more. Learn how it can propel your research to new heights.

• Hands-On Demonstrations: Witness live demonstrations of Meltio's cutting-edge metal 3D printing technology as robotics meets metal 3D printing at Accufacture, showcasing its precision, speed, and versatility.

• Q&A Session: Engage with Meltio's experts in a dynamic Q&A session, where you can ask your burning questions and get personalized guidance.

• Networking: Connect with fellow academics, researchers, and students who share your passion for innovation and exploration.

Whether you're looking to enhance your research capabilities, prepare students for cutting-edge careers, or simply satisfy your curiosity, this event is your gateway to the exciting world of Metal 3D Printing. Don't miss this unique opportunity to demystify the future of additive manufacturing. Register today!

Tuesday, November 14,

2023 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

‍

AdduXi 2791 Research Dr.,

Rochester Hills, MI, 48309

‍

Accufacture is housed within AdduXi in Rochester Hills

Agenda

9:00   am      Check-in and breakfast

9:30   am      Presentation 

10:00 am       Demonstration of Printer and Robot

10:30 am       Q&A, Discussion and Networking

11:00 am        Event concludes

Click to Register

Businesses need a cybersecurity strategy to protect their business, their customers and their data from cybersecurity threats. The state of Michigan is a leader in cybersecurity and that's why there are so many resources and services available to Michigan businesses on how to be cyber smart. Join Michigan's APEX Accelerators for an informative conversation on the available Cybersecurity resources and services for businesses located in the state of Michigan.

SPEAKERS:

Mark Ignash Michigan Defense Center

• Brooke Sweeney University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute

• Scott Taber Small Business Development Center

• Jeff Williams Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center

• Ashley Sanders East Michigan APEX Accelerator

https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0aaca66f-49b0-4203-a8ed-b2d658f13814@253e7787-672d-4071-9290-fc3db5246db7

Where: St. Clair County EDA, 100 McMorran Blvd, Port Huron, MI 48060-4020

5th Floor / The Underground Satellite Location

At this 2-day workshop, we aim for you to walk away with a business plan near completion and have all the tools and resources needed to finish it. We will break down each section of the plan into digestible portions, and there will be plenty of time to start writing your plan and asking questions. Part of the time will be spent creating the first draft of the business plan during the workshop. We will have paper and pens available. Feel free to bring a laptop or tablet if you have one. Your phone will work, but it will be easier on a larger device.

REGISTER HERE

The certification process for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically Disadvantaged WOSBs (EDWOSBs) changed October 2020. These updated regulations make it easier for qualified small businesses to participate in the WOSB Federal Contracting Program by improving the customer experience. At the same time, SBA is strengthening oversight and maintaining the integrity of the certification process. Under the current WOSB Federal Contract program regulations, all WOSBs must take action in WOSB.Certify.sba.gov, home to SBA’s free online certification process, or utilize SBA-approved Third-Party Certifiers (TPCs) to obtain WOSB or EDWOSB certification.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

REGISTER HERE

Register Here

SBDC Webinar

Wed, August 9, 2023, 10:00 AM ET

Wed, August 9, 2023, 11:00 AM ET

Small businesses and individuals are increasingly turning to the gig economy to address labor shortages, expand their workforce, and explore new avenues for income generation.

Who Should Attend:

•  Companies struggling with labor shortages,

•  Independent Contractors/Freelancers

•  Those seeking to diversify their income streams

Key topics covered in the webinar:

• Navigating the Gig Economy

•  Legal and Financial Considerations

•  Leveraging IRS Resources for Small Businesses

Featured Guest Speaker: Accounting Aid Society is a nonprofit organization that has been successfully offering tax and financial services to taxpayers and small businesses in Detroit and southeast Michigan for the past 50 years.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Register at www.bluewaterchamber.com or contact Kanchan directly at 810.937.2003

SBDC Webinar

Wed, May 3, 2023, 12:00 PM ET

Wed, May 3, 2023, 1:00 PM ET

Learn the basics of the new Google My Business experience and how to make it work to the advantage of your small business.  Presented by UP SBDC Marketing Consultant Nicole Potvin.

REGISTER HERE

Click to REGISTER

Thu, Feb 23, 2023, 2:00 PM ET

Thu, Feb 23, 2023, 3:00 PM ET

Not all businesses require you to be in the market year round for operations. There are certain models out there that focus on seasonal services that you can explore. This webinar will include a panel of franchise opportunities that have seasonal opportunities, and help you consider seasonal franchise options for small business ownership.

Presenter

Brigitte Betser

Franchise Consultant

FranNet of Michigan

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

Click to REGISTER

Thu, Feb 16, 2023, 11:00 AM ET

Thu, Feb 16, 2023, 12:30 PM ET

This 90-minute webinar will include approximately 60 minutes of presentation, with approximately 30 minutes of time throughout the webinar for Q&A.

Ready to launch your business as a sole proprietor or LLC? Been putting off the paperwork? Then you need this hands-on walk through.

Business Consultants from the SBDC will discuss business entities and explain the documents needed to form and register a business, including Articles of Organization and Employer Identification Number (EIN). They will also cover basic bookkeeping procedures and the tax implications of your new business, as well as good business practices.

Please be prepared with one or more names for your business. Please click here or visit https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search to search for existing business names registered with the State of Michigan. You can also search for Trademarks at http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4810:zlg4yk.1.1

Note: This webinar does not cover in-depth information on forming a legal entity or taxes. If you would like more education on these topics, please visit https://michigansbdc.org/get-started/training-events/ and find webinars, workshops, and on-demand content related to taxes, legal entities, etc.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

Click to REGISTER

Wed, Feb 15, 2023, 11:00 AM ET

Wed, Feb 15, 2023, 12:30 PM ET

This 90-minute webinar will include approximately 60 minutes of presentation, with approximately 30 minutes of time throughout the webinar for Q&A.

Do you want to launch or grow your business?

Join us as we guide you through researching and writing each piece of a successful business plan. This webinar is designed for entrepreneurs who are looking to write a business plan for the first time, or already have a plan they would like to improve.

After the webinar, you will receive a copy of the webinar recording, as well as sample business plan templates, and other resources.

Note: This webinar does not cover in-depth information on forming a legal entity or taxes. If you would like more education on these topics, please visit https://michigansbdc.org/get-started/training-events/ and find webinars, workshops, and on-demand content related to taxes, legal entities, etc.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

Click to REGISTER

SBDC Webinar

Tue, Feb 14, 2023, 11:00 AM ET

Tue, Feb 14, 2023, 12:30 PM ET

This 90-minute webinar will include approximately 60 minutes of presentation, with approximately 30 minutes of time throughout the webinar for Q&A.

Are you considering self-employment, or at the beginning stages of starting a business?

Join us for a one-hour long accelerated walkthrough of our “Starting A Business” course.

This introductory webinar covers the process of evaluating market potential for your products or services, startup costs and financing options, plus initial steps for writing a business plan.

Note: This webinar does not cover in-depth information on forming a legal entity or taxes. If you would like more education on these topics, please visit https://michigansbdc.org/get-started/training-events/ and find webinars, workshops, and on-demand content related to taxes, legal entities, etc.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

Click to REGISTER

Learn franchising basics, including the array of categories and investment levels available (starting at around $50K), and how to go about defining your own personal vision. Match that up with viable choices and conducting proper due diligence to make sure you're selecting the RIGHT fit for YOU!

 Here is a brief outline of the topics covered in the webinar:

 Basic information on franchising, including the range of industry categories, investment levels and fees

• The legal regulations governing franchising that protect the buyer

• A strategic approach to defining your personal business model, quantifying your returns and safely researching and selecting the business opportunity that best fits your unique personality, skills, needs and goals

• Growth trends and choices in franchising that offer stability and success in weak and strong economies

• A brief overview of FranNet's no-fee, no-obligation consulting service

Presenter

Brigitte Betser

Franchise Consultant

FranNet of Michigan

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

Click to Register (complete registration on right side of screen)

SBDC Webinar

Tue, Jan 17, 2023, 10:00 AM ET

Tue, Jan 17, 2023, 11:00 AM ET

The Michigan Small Business Development Center is hosting two webinars designed to introduce business owners and advisors to employee ownership as an exit strategy for retiring owners. 

This session will provide a brief overview of the three main employee ownership structures and why it may be advantageous for retiring owners to explore such an exit strategy. It will also provide a basic overview of an employee/worker-owned cooperative, the type of structure that would likely fit companies with under 20 employees. 

Presenter

Roy J. Messing

Director of State Operations

Employee Ownership Expansion Network

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

SBDC Webinar

Thu, Sep 15, 2022, 12:00 PM ET

Thu, Sep 15, 2022, 1:30 PM ET

This 90-minute webinar will include approximately 60 minutes of presentation, with approximately 30 minutes of time throughout the webinar for Q&A with the audience and panelists.

Ready to launch your business as a sole proprietor or LLC? Been putting off the paperwork? Then you need this hands-on walk through.

Business Consultants from the SBDC will discuss business entities and explain the documents needed to form and register a business, including Articles of Organization and Employer Identification Number (EIN). They will also cover basic bookkeeping procedures and the tax implications of your new business, as well as good business practices.

Please be prepared with one or more names for your business. Please click here or visit https://cofs.lara.state.mi.us/SearchApi/Search/Search to search for existing business names registered with the State of Michigan. You can also search for Trademarks at http://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/gate.exe?f=tess&state=4810:zlg4yk.1.1

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

location_onSBDC Webinar

Wed, Sep 14, 2022, 12:00 PM ET

Wed, Sep 14, 2022, 1:30 PM ET

This 90-minute webinar will include approximately 60 minutes of presentation, with approximately 30 minutes of time throughout the webinar for Q&A with the audience and panelists.

Do you want to launch or grow your business?

Join us as we guide you through researching and writing each piece of a successful business plan. This webinar is designed for entrepreneurs who are looking to write a business plan for the first time, or already have a plan they would like to improve.

After the webinar, you will receive a copy of the webinar recording, as well as sample business plan templates, and other resources.

Note: This webinar does not cover in-depth information on forming a legal entity or taxes. If you would like more education on these topics, please visit https://michigansbdc.org/get-started/training-events/ and find webinars, workshops, and on-demand content related to taxes, legal entities, etc.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

SBDC Webinar

Tue, Sep 13, 2022, 12:00 PM ET

Tue, Sep 13, 2022, 1:30 PM ET

This 90-minute webinar will include approximately 60 minutes of presentation, with approximately 30 minutes of time throughout the webinar for Q&A with the audience and panelists.

Are you considering self-employment, or at the beginning stages of starting a business?

Join us for a one-hour long accelerated walkthrough of our “Starting A Business” course.

This introductory webinar covers the process of evaluating market potential for your products or services, startup costs and financing options, plus initial steps for writing a business plan.

Note: This webinar does not cover in-depth information on forming a legal entity or taxes. If you would like more education on these topics, please visit https://michigansbdc.org/get-started/training-events/ and find webinars, workshops, and on-demand content related to taxes, legal entities, etc.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Point of Contact for this Webinar:

Ian Rogers

Training Manager - Michigan SBDC

rogersia@gvsu.edu

Has the Pandemic increased your online sales OR has your business grown though COVID? If so, it maybe time to explore expanding into international markets! This webinar will inform you on the MI SBDC's early export assistance program with the MEDC.

You will learn about how we will help you bone up your websites with International Search Engine Optimizations (I-SEO), financially prepare your company to budget for expanding into foreign markets, prepare you to access STEP funds through the MEDC, explore markets that are ripe for your products or services and a whole lot more!

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Is your business on all the Social Media channels but you can’t keep up with the updates? Then this webinar may be for you. You’ll be provided with Social Media Updates for 2022 and the resources you need to keep your channels current and meaningful to your customers.  

 Speaker: Mary C Hartfield, SBDC West Michigan Region Training Coordinator

Moderator: Qi'Shaun Coyle, SBDC West Michigan Region Program Coordinator

This webinar is locally sponsored by Huntington Bank.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

• Contact Qi'Shaun Coyle at coyleqi@gvsu.edu.

The SBA Michigan district office invites you to attend an informative webinar to learn about the program and services of the SBA available to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities in Michigan. The session is free and all are welcome to attend. This second webinar focuses on Capital Access, where we will debunk the myths and demystify the process of small business financing. You will get first-hand information on what credit criteria a lender is looking for, answer your financing questions, and advice on what steps to take to achieve your goal of starting or expanding your business.

• We will be unable to provide technical assistance for accessing the webinar beginning 30 minutes prior to the start of the webinar.

• This webinar will take place using GoToWebinar. If you have not used GoToWebinar before, and/or would like to check the compatibility of your computer/mobile device with GoToWebinar, please visit https://support.goto.com/webinar/system-check-attendee.

• Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

• Contact Ian Rogers at rogersia@gvsu.edu.

Our Small Business BIG MOVES Talk Show is coming back for episode 2!

Join us on Wednesday, June 29 as we hear from small business experts and entrepreneurs who share tips on how to grow a business and make BIG MOVES in the Michigan business community.

Small Business BIG MOVES is a daytime news and entertainment Talk Show featuring interviews with some of Michigan’s brightest companies who have experienced tremendous growth.

The Michigan small businesses that will be featured in episode 2 are Envision Health and Grand Rapids Tech.

Registration not required.

Streaming live on Facebook, Wednesday, June 29th at 3pm.

Hosted by Michigan SBDC

Facebook Event Link