BUSINESS COUNSELING

Free business counseling sessions can be provided by Alliance for Economic Success (AES) staff, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) counselors, or Service Corps of Retired Executive (SCORE) volunteers.  Description of these resources are detailed below.  Contact the AES for an assessment of the most effective counseling service for your particular business situation.

Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC)

The Alliance for Economic Success (AES) collaborates with the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) to provide a full range of services for small to medium sized businesses that are emerging and growing.  One-on-one business counseling is a free service for individuals who want to improve, revitalize or expand their companies, or develop a new venture. This service is provided by Deborah Nale at Manistee-based AES office. Deborah successfully started and operated a business in Manistee.  She worked with over 20 micro-business entrepreneurs helping them to start their businesses.  Through AES's relationship with MI-SBTDC, Deborah has access to essential data for developing a new company or for an existing firm to gain a competitive edge.  To obtain counseling assistance you will be asked to complete the Request for Counseling on the MI-SBTDC State Headquarters website.  

The following are links to valuable MI-SBTDC resources:

Starting a Business in Michigan
Guide to Starting a New Business (File size - 473kb)
Training Calendar
Business Tools

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

SCORE volunteers are experienced business consultants available to meet with you by appointment to discuss your business, assist you in developing or refining your business plan, marketing plan, financial management strategies or anything else related to managing your business or business idea. SCORE individuals are people who either owned their own business or were decision makers prior to retiring. They now volunteer to provide guidance and counsel to others who are building or growing their enterprises.

 BUSINESS SUPPORT SERVICES

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven organization providing the business community leadership and support in business and professional development that is instrumental to the success of its members and the community it represents. The Chamber's missions are focused on supporting a strong business climate and economy in Manistee County, Michigan. To ensure that programs and services respond to member needs, the Chamber maintains an organizational commitment to its mission through services such as business advocacy and representation; education and training; marketing, communications and promotion; and direct services to its members.

BUSINESS INCUBATOR FOR AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCE PRODUCTS

The Starting Block, Inc.

Manistee County residents have access to Michigan’s first kitchen incubator, The Starting Block, Inc., located in Hart.  This facility is a commercial, USDA-certified kitchen designed for innovating and developing agriculture and natural resources products or other businesses involved in food systems.  The incubator is available to to help entrepreneurs get started.  For a small kitchen rental fee, you can test out your latest idea, from jams and jellies to herbal seasonings, from jerky to baked goods,  For more information about The Starting Block, Inc., view this video or contact them at (231) 873-1432.

WORKFORCE SERVICES 

Michigan WORKS!

Michigan WORKS! provides and links local businesses to relevant and helpful business services. The Business Liaison is an employer's first point of contact with the Michigan WORKS! system. Manistee County’s Michigan WORKS! Business Liaison is Melissa Ruba.  Melissa will connect the employer with business services that include employee recruitment and training, basic workplace skills, outplacement services, on-the-job training grants and more.

SELLING YOUR PRODUCTS TO THE GOVERNMENT

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC)

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center provides "NO FEE" assistance to businesses which are interested in doing business with state and federal government agencies. Companies with an interest in B2G (Business to Government) sales channels have easy access to this assistance through a PTAC’s “B2G Wednesdays” or by an individual appointment. “B2G Wednesdays” is a program where PTAC holds office hours in locations throughout Northwest Michigan every Wednesday. Additionally businesses can schedule an appointment at their business facility, by contacting the PTAC Coordinator Patrick Bubin. 

MSU COLLEGE OF LAW - SMALL BUSINESS & NONPROFIT CLINIC

The Michigan State University College of Law Small Business & Nonprofit Clinic offers legal services at a much lower rate compared to standard legal services. The Clinic trains legal students to assist underserved Michigan small businesses and nonprofit organizations. The students work with small businesses or nonprofits on a wide variety of legal services, see the link below for a list of their services. The Clinic also creates community and campus partnerships to expand resources available to Michigan small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

To see their fees and services click here.

For other helpful business planning publications from MSU College of Law click here.