Spotlight: Celebrating Small Business Support Hubs Statewide

The MEDC kicked off a series of celebrations for the newly designated Small Business Support Hubs across the state, which provide resources to Michigan’s small businesses

Michigan small businesses will have access to comprehensive resources and support thanks to newly designated entrepreneurial hubs, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is celebrating with a series of events across the state. With small businesses playing a pivotal role in the growth of Michigan’s economy, the MEDC is committed to their success.

The Small Business Support Hubs program, introduced in June 2023, was created to invest in the state’s small business ecosystem, bringing new and more comprehensive resources to small businesses so that every business owner has the opportunity to Make It in Michigan. The program accomplishes this by providing funding to entrepreneurial hubs for operations, programming and direct support to small businesses.

In November 2023, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that 27 organizations would receive $73 million in funding to serve as Small Business Support Hubs in the state. The program generated a high level of interest, with over 80 applications requesting a total of $275 million in funding and reflecting what is needed for Michigan’s small businesses to thrive.

Two of the organizations receiving funding were the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) for Region 7 (Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties) and the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation as a statewide grantee; the organizations joined the MEDC to kick off celebrations for the Small Business Support Hubs in Lansing on Feb. 5.

At the event, leaders from the MEDC, LEAP, SBAM, Bath Charter Township and the City of St. Johns presented information on the Small Business Support Hubs program that will support small businesses in the greater Lansing area and throughout the state of Michigan.

"As we embark on this exciting journey, I want to express my appreciation to our incredible partners in the TREK HUB, also known as the Tri-County Resources for Entrepreneurs and Knowledge Hub,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Over the next three years, their collaboration will be the driving force behind the success of this grant. Together, we're building a community of resilience and growth. The most successful type of economic development is one that is comprehensive, and once again the MEDC and LEAP understand the significance of not only attracting major international employers but also nurturing small businesses and startups across our state, communities, and neighborhoods. Our goal is to empower, uplift, and sustain the dreams of all local businesses throughout the three-county Lansing region. We're here to ensure that every idea has a chance to flourish."

“Michigan’s small businesses truly are the heartbeat of our communities,” said David C. Rhoa, executive director of the SBAM Foundation. “In collaboration with SBAM, the SBAM Foundation is excited to continue our work and support of small business across the state. Through strategic partnerships, we will deliver comprehensive resources and initiatives essential for small businesses to grow, thrive, and prosper. We are thankful for the opportunity presented by the MEDC to become a Small Business Support Hub as we endeavor to make a positive impact across all our communities.”

Upcoming Small Business Support Hubs celebrations are being planned in regions across the state to further spread awareness of the resources available to small businesses. Contact Susan Proctor, MEDC Executive Director of External Affairs, for more information.

Learn more about Small Business Support Hubs and additional small business support and resources from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

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