BUSINESS RESOURCES

A directory of business support organizations in West Michigan

Click on the button that corresponds to your business type to find resources that can help your business grow and succeed here.

Startup / Entrepreneur
	A state service provider that manages the Michigan SBIR/STTR Assistance Program,which provides group training and one-on-one proposal development consulting to Michigan’s technology-based entrepreneurs and early-stage companies.
	A statewide fund available through the statewide SmartZone network and used for the delivery of certain specialized services to assist advanced technology companies. Contact SURGE to learn more
	Provides access to capital for small businesses in Michigan through the SBA 504 Loan Program
	Regional angel organization whose members invest in startup companies throughout Michigan and the Midwest
	This organization focuses on helping at various stages of business ownership by offering services such as business counseling, entrepreneurial training, networking as well as a variety of financial resources.
	Nonprofit organization that provides access to capital, corporate procurement opportunities, certification for women-owned business enterprises, business counseling, and small business educational support.
	A local center dedicated to entrepreneurship education and community engagement, offering support for students and other individuals that includes workshops, access to capital, networking, and competition, among other opportunities
	State department that markets Michigan as a great place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. Provides a number of services up to and including site selection, expansion project incentives, access to capital, international trade assistance, community development programs, and entrepreneurial support.
	Operated by MSU’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, the Product Center works with companies and entrepreneurs specifically working in the agricultural, food, and natural resource sectors. It is staffed with employees specializing in venture development, business and market analysis, supply chain management, and food science and nutrition.
	State association dedicated to increasing the amount of capital and talent available to venture and angel investors in Michigan
	A free 3-month entrepreneurship accelerator for military-connected people and their families designed to provide hands-on startup education for those seeking to add $10,000 or more annual income to their household through small business activity
	A statewide initiative administered by Varnum designed to remove some of the barriers associated with starting a business by providing free legal services to Michigan startups.
	NextCycle Michigan offers an innovative grant-making pathway to identify and incubate ideas that will grow Michigan’s recycled materials supply chain and end markets. This program is a 21st-century approach to recycling, recovery, and building sustainable businesses in the state that can help Michigan triple its current recycling and recovery rate.
	Regional university-led business innovation program that provides coaching, funding, networking, and a synergistic work environment to help businesses and entrepreneurs achieve their growth potential
	A community development financial institution that provides loans to Michigan-based small businesses and nonprofits when they are unable to secure financing from traditional lenders.
	This entrepreneurially focused nonprofit is a resource partner for the Small Business Administration (SBA) and provides a variety of services for entrepreneurs such as mentoring; webinars and classes; access to online resources; and opportunities to attend a number of local events.
	Federal agency designed to support small businesses through grants, loans, investment capital, business counseling, online courses, and federal government contract assistance.
	Provides consulting, training and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies
	A startup incubator based out of Grand Rapids that provides physical space, access to capital, networking, and mentor services for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
	A one-stop entrepreneur support organization administered by Lakeshore Advantage that connects entrepreneurs with the resources they need to grow, including funding opportunities, mentorship opportunities, educational programming, and access to in-kind services from local business service providers.
	Administered by the MEDC, this organization helps second-stage companies learn how to recruit, retain and develop talented employees, utilize best practices, prepare to export, and explore new markets.
	Provides a variety of international training, consulting, and resources for businesses who want to be globally successful
	Starting a home-a home-based small business is no easy task though. Learn more about tips, ideas and resources to be successful.

Resources for All Business Types

Chamber Partners

Talent Resources

Small Business
	A nonprofit membership-based organization that provides advocacy, tools, and resources to help family-owned businesses succeed.
	Brings together interdisciplinary student teams led by an experienced practitioner coach to solve real world problems for a variety of companies and clients. The experiential learning and mentoring help students develop their critical-thinking, problem-solving and team-building skills.
	State department that supports business growth and job creation while safeguarding Michigan’s citizens through regulatory structures. LARA offers a number of online services for creating, maintaining or expanding your business.
	Operated by MSU’s Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, the Product Center works with companies and entrepreneurs specifically working in the agricultural, food, and natural resource sectors. It is staffed with employees specializing in venture development, business and market analysis, supply chain management, and food science and nutrition.
	A free 3-month entrepreneurship accelerator for military-connected people and/or spouses/partners designed to provide hands-on startup education for those seeking to add $10,000 or more annual income to their household through small business activity
	Provides businesses with a range of services and resources to win and successfully complete government contracts. Services offered include one-on-one counseling, bid matching, proposal preparation, subcontracting assistance, and government registration assistance, among others.
	Provides businesses with a range of services and resources to win and successfully complete government contracts. Services offered include one-on-one counseling, bid matching, proposal preparation, subcontracting assistance, and government registration assistance, among others.
	Statewide association that serves Michigan's small business community and provides advocacy, resources and opportunities for stakeholders.
	Provides consulting, training and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies

Resources for All Business Types

Chamber Partners

Talent Resources

Primary Employer
	A regional network of hundreds of manufacturers who work with schools and other educational partners to promote the industry and attract, train, and retain talent.
	Official export credit agency for the U.S. that fills financing gaps for American businesses competing for global sales and assumes credit and country risks that the private sector is unable or unwilling to accept
	A nonprofit membership-based organization that provides advocacy, tools, and resources to help family-owned businesses succeed.
	Inland port of entry and special economic zone in Battle Creek where imported goods can be stored, distributed, processed and used without being subjected to customs duty. Helps companies compete in the global marketplace by eliminating, deferring, or reducing duties and other potential costs.
	Located at the University of Michigan, this organization administers the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAAF) program. They work with small manufacturers who have been hurt by imports implement business improvement projects aimed at improving their overall competitiveness. Companies who qualify under TAAF are eligible to receive up to $75,000 in federal assistance to implement their projects over a five-year period of time.
	Brings together interdisciplinary student teams led by an experienced practitioner coach to solve real world problems for a variety of companies and clients. The experiential learning and mentoring help students develop their critical-thinking, problem-solving and team-building skills.
	The lead export-based promotion agency for the federal government and based locally in Grand Rapids, this agency provides international market intelligence, business matchmaking, trade education and trade counseling.
	State agency that cultivates and expands economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguards the public’s food supply; inspects and enforces sound animal health practices; controls and eradicates plant pests and diseases threatening the food and agriculture system; preserves the environment; and protects consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures.
	Protects Michigan’s environment and public health by managing air, water, land, and energy resources
	The go-to statewide resource for any and all economic and talent initiative planned for or occurring in Michigan. The department is home to the Talent Investment Agency (TIA), which offers programs oriented around job preparedness, career-based education, worker training, employment assistance and unemployment insurance
	State department that supports business growth and job creation while safeguarding Michigan’s citizens through regulatory structures. LARA offers a number of online services for creating, maintaining or expanding your business.
	The state office tasked with protecting and growing Michigan’s defense, defense aerospace and homeland security missions and industries
	State department that markets Michigan as a great place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state. Provides a number of services up to and including site selection, expansion project incentives, access to capital, international trade assistance, community development programs, and entrepreneurial support.
	The state’s leading advocate focused solely on Michigan manufacturers through advocacy, education and business services.
	This organization provides consulting services to small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses in Michigan. They have a variety of programs related to leadership development, skill development, cybersecurity, supplier scouting, food processing efficiencies, and quality systems, among others.
	State agency that works with employers and employees to better prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. Activities include setting and enforcing occupational safety and health standards; providing extensive safety and health training and education; and working with partners to develop innovative programs to prevent workplace hazards.
	An Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Flight and Ground Test Center offering a large spectrum of opportunities for Commercial UAS manufacturers, operators and R&D organizations.
	NextCycle Michigan offers an innovative grant-making pathway to identify and incubate ideas that will grow Michigan’s recycled materials supply chain and end markets. This program is a 21st-century approach to recycling, recovery, and building sustainable businesses in the state that can help Michigan triple its current recycling and recovery rate.
	Provides businesses with a range of services and resources to win and successfully complete government contracts. Services offered include one-on-one counseling, bid matching, proposal preparation, subcontracting assistance, and government registration assistance, among others.
Regional Air Alliance	A private sector initiative dedicated to providing world-class commercial air service in the region. It aims to serve as a catalyst for improved air service in West Michigan for the benefit of area residents, businesses, and visitors.
	Federal government agency that provides business programs consisting of financial backing and technical assistance and designed to stimulate business creation and growth. Programs help to provide capital, equipment, space, job training, and entrepreneurial skills that can help to start and/or grow a business while supporting the creation and preservation of quality jobs in rural areas.
	Provides a variety of international training, consulting, and resources for businesses who want to be globally successful
	A locally administered transportation service that offers solutions for the business communities in Kent, Ottawa and Allegan counties to improve travel for employees. Services include organization-specific rideshare programs, carpool signups, vanpooling, and a guaranteed ride home program.
	In addition to financial support such as training funding, grants, and apprenticeships, WMW also puts on a large number of workshops, job fairs, seminars, trainings, and regional consortiums for a variety of careers and occupations designed for job seeker and employer alike.

Resources for All Business Types

Chamber Partners

Talent Resources

Diverse Businesses
	This organization focuses on helping at various stages of business ownership by offering services such as business counseling, entrepreneurial training, networking as well as a variety of financial resources.
	Nonprofit organization that provides access to capital, corporate procurement opportunities, certification for women-owned business enterprises, business counseling, and small business educational support.
	Statewide professional organization that works to advance careers for women by providing and facilitating professional development, industry council groups, leadership training, and networking opportunities.
	A community organization based out of the Lansing Area Veterans Coalition that works with employers throughout Michigan to improve employment outcomes for veterans and their families.
	Social services organization that provides consultations, programming and partnerships centered on diversity and inclusion for organizations, businesses, and individuals.
	Nonprofit organization that promotes the economic growth of businesses and their minority-owned contractors through advocacy, training programs, networking events, and minority business certification.
	A free 3-month entrepreneurship accelerator for military-connected people and/or spouses/partners designed to provide hands-on startup education for those seeking to add $10,000 or more annual income to their household through small business activity
	Provides businesses with a range of services and resources to win and successfully complete government contracts. Services offered include one-on-one counseling, bid matching, proposal preparation, subcontracting assistance, and government registration assistance, among others.
	University initiative to provide veterans in Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties with opportunities and access to pursue and complete postsecondary education.
	Regional association through the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce that works to provide opportunities to cultivate corporate relationships and new business partnerships among ethnic, minority-owned and women-owned general contractors through workshops, seminars, and networking events.
	In addition to financial support such as training funding, grants, and apprenticeships, WMW also puts on a large number of workshops, job fairs, seminars, trainings, and regional consortiums for a variety of careers and occupations designed for job seeker and employer alike.
	Works to educate and empower unemployed or underemployed women to succeed in the workplace through mentoring, coaching programs, scholarships, computer literacy, and job search assistance.