6 helpful resources for small businesses in Michigan.

Success doesn’t always happen alone. With access to knowledge, resources, mentors, and funding options, you can work with your supporters to make your business dream become a reality. Here is a list of organizations who share our vision for entrepreneurial success.

Michigan Small Business Development Center

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) understands that entrepreneurs need access to a trusted team of experts to turn to for support and guidance. That’s why the organization offer tools and resources for growth and strategic planning, market research, cybersecurity, business plan development, and more. They offer free, downloadable templates to create a business plan and make a budget, and an option to take a business cybersecurity assessment. If you’re a diverse entrepreneur, you can find additional support and guidance through the organization’s Uplift MichiganÔ program.

Lake Trust often partners with the Michigan SBDC to support and conduct learning sessions for entrepreneurs. Visit michigansbdc.org¹ to find upcoming events, read business success stories, and access their free small business development services.

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is committed to growing vibrant communities by helping businesses in our state find success. The organization has over 100 economic development partners across the state that offer tools and resources to support your business goals. The MEDC can also help you find talent, funding options, sales support and more through their programs and connections. You can also attend one of their many business events and summits to connect with others in your field.

Visit michiganbusiness.org¹ to start exploring resources and programs to help your business grow.

State of Michigan

Whether you’re just getting started and want to search the availability of your business name, looking for business tax information, or need to brush up on workplace safety requirements, the State of Michigan has the resources you need. While many of the resources listed on their site point back to the Michigan SBDC and MEDC (mentioned above), this is a great place to find information about available tax incentives for businesses, license and permit requirements, and find employment and training resources. This is also the place to go if you’re interested in doing business with the State as a vendor or contractor.

Visit the State of Michigan’s business resource page at michigan.gov/som/business¹ to learn more about doing business in our state.

Service Corps of Retired Executives

Though technically not a dedicated Michigan business organization, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), an organization powered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE helps connect volunteer business mentors to small business owners who are looking for guidance to help them establish or grow their businesses.

If you’re looking for learning opportunities, SCORE hosts events, webinars, and online courses (even micro-courses of 15 minutes or less), where you can learn how to create a financial plan for your business, start marketing online, establish a crisis management plan, and more.

Visit score.org¹ to find a business mentor in your area or to sign up to be a mentor.

Michigan Downtown Association

To support the growth of vibrant downtown neighborhoods, the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA) works with agencies and organizations across the state who share a similar mission. They uplift projects that are happening in downtown neighborhoods and provide education, resources, and networking opportunities, for their members. For professionals interested in downtown development, the MDA offers a certificate program with training in marketing, planning, design, and historic preservation.

In addition to the resources they provide, the MDA is involved in advocacy work to educate and inform state legislators and other public officials about the best tools to improve local communities.

Go to michigandowntowns.com¹ to find membership information and to learn more.

Michigan Chamber of Commerce

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce prides itself on being the leading statewide business advocacy organization. Leaders at this organization keep a close eye on key bills and issues in the Michigan legislature and work to advocate for the wellbeing of businesses in our state. They also Employment Law Assistance to help members stay compliant with state and federal labor employment laws and regulations.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce also hosts several online and in-person events around topics like DEI, state economics, human resources, and leadership. Members can also access webinars and training sessions around common issues facing employers.

View more member benefits and resources from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce at michamber.com¹.

Let's work together.

If you’re searching for more tools and resources to start or grow your business, remember you can always reach out to the Lake Trust team for guidance. Whether you need funding options to grow your business or you want to explore insurance and benefits options for your employees, we’re here to help. Small businesses are the heart of every community. And the success of your business helps the individuals and families in your neighborhood find success too.

¹Third party website. Lake Trust Credit Union is not responsible for the content, availability, security or compliance of any linked third-party websites. In addition, the site's privacy policies may differ from those of Lake Trust.