Michigan Small Business Technology & Development Center
An integral resource of The Enterprise Group, The Michigan Small Business Technology & Development Center (MI-SBTDC) enhances Michigan’s economic well-being by providing counseling, training, research, and advocacy for new ventures, existing small businesses and innovative technology companies. With regional, satellite and affiliate offices state-wide, the MI-SBTDC network positively impacts the economy by strengthening existing companies, creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs, and assisting companies in defining their path to success.
For assistance, please contact:
SBTDC Regional Office
Phone number: 734-547-9170
Business Start-Up Assistance
A start-up entrepreneur who becomes a client of the SBTDC receives free, one-on-one business consulting from certified staff at the SBTDC Regional Office. This can range from a simple question like “How Do I Get a Tax ID Number?” to months of ongoing consulting through the start-up and growth stages. For this audience, is also provided a monthly class called ‘Vision to Reality - the Steps to Starting a Business’. Additionally, in partnership with South Central Michigan Works! (SCMW), a Business Resource Center is provided within the SCMW Service Center. This mini-library contains two Internet-ready computers, several resources books and reference materials for individuals to research ideas and markets, which are all freely accessible to the general community.
Packets containing SBTDC information is available at The Enterprise Group of Jackson office in downtown Jackson.
SBTDC Market Research
An integral part of SBTDC services, for both new businesses and existing companies, is market research and assistance with preparing the narrative of a business plan. As part of national and statewide networks access to research is provided through cooperative agreements with Grand Valley State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio.
The statewide network increases the capability to provide consulting for technology-based companies, whether advanced manufacturing, IT development or in the biosciences. The SBTDC also provides access to statewide consultants to assist technology companies with marketing strategies, Venture Capital (VC) presentations, and SBIR/STTR grant application activity. The Michigan SBTDC network was just awarded $2 million ($1 million per year for two years) to advance its work in commercialization. The most recent staff addition is a Sector Development Specialist with expertise in Automotive Technologies.
The SBTDC division of The EG frequently partners with the State of Michigan in entrepreneurial initiatives, such as Great Lakes Entrepreneurs Quest, Buy Michigan First and the 21st Century Jobs Fund. For additional information and resources, please visit the website or call the SBTDC Regional Office at 734-547-9170.