I have always been a strong advocate for the interests of small businesses in Michigan. As a senior member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I support the important role small businesses play in creating jobs and growing the economy and will work to give them the tools they need to succeed.
We need to help small businesses thrive and expand so they can create jobs and grow the economy. In 2010, I helped write the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act, which addressed one of the most serious problems facing small businesses: access to sufficient capital. Among the provisions of the bill was one I proposed, providing support to state and local programs that help small businesses deal with the collateral requirements. The provision builds on a successful Michigan program, and it will make available an estimated $790 million in loans to Michigan small businesses. Another was the Intermediary Lending Pilot Program to provide loans to small businesses that had financing needs of between $50,000 and $200,000 but are unable to secure bank financing, even with federal guarantees.
I will continue to look for ways to strengthen support for small businesses, including providing support for important Small Business Administration loan programs, as well as programs such as the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, and other efforts that enhance small businesses’ role as engines of innovation.
This resource guide of useful small business websites is intended to assist entrepreneurs find the resources they need to establish and run successful enterprises.
Carl Levin
Click each section below to learn more about it.
Michigan Resources »
SBA Michigan District Office
The Small Business Administration's Detroit district office supports the formation and growth of small business throughout the State of Michigan. The office concentrates on four primary functions: advocacy, procurement, business development and financial assistance.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) of Michigan
The 12 Procurement Technical Assistance Centers in Michigan offer marketing, technical consulting, and training to businesses across the state.
Michigan Department of Career Development
The Michigan Department of Career Development website offers information on finding a job, career preparation, employer services and more.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
This site contains information about doing business in Michigan, including statistics, tax free zones and links to other economic development agencies.
Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center
With offices around the state, Michigan's SBTDC provides programs to assist small businesses in Michigan, including the Minority Entrepreneur Business Development Program. SBTDC is a good place to start when seeking small business counseling and advice.
Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center offers innovative training and consulting services designed specifically for small to mid-sized manufacturers in Michigan. MMTC is dedicated to enhancing the global competitiveness of Michigan's small and mid-sized manufacturers. MMTC has five regional offices across Michigan:
- The Right Place - West Michigan Office
The MMTC West Michigan office, the Right Place, Inc., is a non-profit economic development organization that promotes economic growth through high-quality employment, productivity and technology. The Right Place focuses on retaining existing jobs, supporting local business growth, and attracting new businesses to the Greater Grand Rapids area.
- Northern Initiatives (NI) - Upper Peninsula Office
Northern Initiatives serves businesses in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and offers business loans, consulting services, entrepreneurial education and special initiatives that support the regional economy.
- Center for Manufacturing Improvement - Northeast Regional Office
The Center for Manufacturing Improvement at Saginaw Valley State University serves small to medium sized manufacturing businesses in Northeast Michigan. CMI offers a variety of services and specialized training in the latest technologies.
- Michigan Technical Education Center - Northwest Regional Office
M-TEC Training and Research provides customized training, research, assessment and coaching services for all types of organizations in Northwest Michigan including business, government and education.
- Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – Southeast Michigan Office
Located in Plymouth, the MMTC also provides a range of consulting services for small to mid-sized businesses. The MMTC also works with community colleges to meet the needs of local manufacturers.
Small Business Administration »
Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration helps America's entrepreneurs form successful small enterprises. SBA's program offices in every state offer financing, training and advocacy for small firms. In addition, the SBA works with thousands of lending, educational and training institutions nationwide.
SBA Office of Advocacy
The Office of Advocacy is the voice for small business in the federal government and the source for small business statistics. SBA's advocacy page is intended to help with the initial research that entrepreneurs should engage in when planning their small business.
Research and Development »
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)
SBIR is a highly competitive program that encourages small business to explore their technological potential and provides an incentive to commercialize research. By including qualified small businesses in the federal government's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
NIST offers a broad base of initiatives and technical expertise to maximize its impact on R&D and technology commercialization. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) assists small manufacturers by improving productivity, strengthening competitiveness and increasing profits.
The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM)
The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) operates the Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC) under the auspices of its Small Business Foundation of Michigan (SBFM). The EDC provides training, counseling and resources to help Michigan small business entrepreneurs create and profitably expand their businesses.
Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center
The MSBTDC network provides a full range of services for a variety of small businesses that are emerging and growing throughout Michigan. They offer counseling, training, research and advocacy for Michigan's new venture companies, existing small businesses, new technology companies and innovators.
Resources for Minorities »
8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Program
While the 8(a) program offers a broad scope of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms, SDB certification strictly pertains to benefits in federal procurement. Companies that are 8(a) firms automatically qualify for SDB certification.
Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC)
MMSDC is a privately funded, non-profit, small business development organization that works to enhance business opportunities and educational development.
Women's Business »
Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED)
The Center for Empowerment and Economic Development (CEED) provides entrepreneurs and business owners with the technical, financial and professional enrichment support services necessary for business success. CEED offers classes and seminars for entrepreneurs as well as networking opportunities to grow their business.
Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW)
GROW offers long-term training and counseling and also provides training in economic self-sufficiency and asset building through its Individual Development Account program. GROW is also actively involved in providing training for home-based day-care providers in business management and setting up financial management systems.
