Michigan Alternative & Renewable Energy Center
Resources for Start-Up Businesses
As a service of MAREC’s Business Incubation Program, this page offers selected resources that offer the start-up business entrepreneur some starting points for information, education and training, services, planning, consultation, networking, and funding.
More help for start-up entrepreneurs is available on our Business Incubator webpage LINK or by contacting Joe Graczyk, MAREC Incubator Manager, at graczykj@gvsu.edu or 616-331-6914.
Lakeshore Business Organizations
e-Merge
E-Merge has a terrific list of business partners and resources, which is well worth its own browse. MAREC lists some of the same partners here, sometimes for different reasons, but we encourage you to visit their comprehensive resource and website.
e-Merge Partners and Resources
Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg
http://www.grandhavenchamber.org
MISBTDC
The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (Mi-SBTDC) is a statewide network of seasoned professional business advisors who offer free counseling, information-based planning (market research) and technology commercialization to new and existing businesses in Michigan.
Muskegon Area First
http://www.muskegonareafirst.org
Muskegon Area First encourages and facilitates economic development activities in Muskegon County that retain and create job opportunities, support the tax base, and spur private investment.
Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is the premier business membership organization on the lakeshore. This is a dedicated group of entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, corporate leaders, and business and professional organizations collaborating to protect, expand and promote local business interests.
SCORE
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. More than 13,000 volunteers at 350 chapters provide in-person, individual, free, confidential counseling and mentoring. Counseling is done by appointment only. Access to over 1,600 online counselors representing more than 600 areas of business expertise is available through the SCORE national website. SCORE also provides online workshops/webinars, local workshops and online business tools, newsletters, and the like. SCORE is a partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Business Organizations Meeting at MAREC
Several organizations take advantage of MAREC’s central location, convenience, flexibility and role as a public forum and meeting place for activities in the Muskegon and Lakeshore community. These organizations benefit the start-up entrepreneur by offering networking opportunities and speakers on current business practices and trends—all under our barrel-shaped roof.
Muskegon Inventors Network (MIN)
A regional not-for-profit inventor/marketer support group for West Michigan people with creative ideas, inventors and others who may find benefit or offer support services. Its purpose is to assist West Michigan inventors and marketers reach their personal goals. Its method to achieve this is through education and networking.
Success Express / Business Network International (BNI)
Local website | National website
Located in Muskegon, Success Express is a growing member of BNI (Business Networking International). Success Express fosters the business of its members by building relationships and expanding their networks through word-of-mouth marketing and referrals. Serving Muskegon, North Muskegon, Spring Lake, Grand Haven, Whitehall and Holland, Michigan.
“If you would like to increase the volume of your business through personal referrals, BNI is for you. We invite you to join us at our next meeting and see how word-of-mouth marketing builds business.” – quoted from Success Express
Business Planning
Listed below are some business plan development resources.
Sample Business Plan - Web Based Collaborative
http://www.liveplan.com/features/samples_and_examples/
Sample Business Plan - Template/Static
http://www.e-mergewestmichigan.org/forms-and-templates/templates.html
Guide to GVSU Business Resources
Guide to Funding Sources for Start-Ups
Michigan Women's Foundation - The Angel Micro Loan Fund
http://miwf.mediathree.net/?p=2818
For women entrepreneurs.
Business Accelerator Fund
Page last modified December 6, 2012
