Small Business Development Center Day marks impact on clients and their dreams

The expertise provided to a West Michigan owner of a dance academy seeking to grow his business is a prime example of the impact of America's Small Business Development Centers on this SBDC Day.

The Michigan SBDC and the West Michigan SBDC, located at the Seidman College of Business, join nearly 1,000 centers across the nation on March 19 to celebrate the clients they have guided and the collective impact on the small business community. The Michigan SBDC acts as the state headquarters for the 10 regional SBDCs across the state.

Janeil Foy, a visual and performance artist and owner of Teknique Street Dance Academy , was referred to the Michigan SBDC by James Sanford, GVSU professor of management. Foy, the fourth owner of the 20-year-old academy, was seeking advice on how to grow his business in a more sustainable way to ensure long-term viability, and wanted a cost-effective, outside professional opinion. 

Both Ed Garner, West Michigan SBDC regional director and Jay Martinez, a certified business consultant, met with Foy. Together they gathered information and provided valuable feedback for Foy to consider along with promises to follow up and provide any future help. 

Some of the suggestions included an improved business website and record-keeping system to support increased business. They also discussed developing distinct profit centers for lessons, rehearsals, live performances and publications.  

“Overall, I found that having an independent review of my current business practices was extremely helpful in defining my target customer markets and planning for future business success," Foy said. "I also appreciated that these services were available at no financial cost thanks to federal and state funding."