MSU Extension Business Development

News

• Are you developing or just dictating to employees?

  Published on November 17, 2015
  As an employer, you want your employees to follow the procedures that you have set, you want them to do what you say, and you want it done now and consistently done. However, we will not achieve those characteristics by command.

• What does the unemployment rate actually tell us?

  Published on November 16, 2015
  Unemployment rate reduced to 5 percent in October 2015. How are different segments of our population doing?

• Has the nation reached full employment?

  Published on November 13, 2015
  Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 10-year low in unemployment rate.

• Business resource centers: Diamonds in the rough

  Published on November 9, 2015
  Business Resource Center Network is a great asset for the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance region. With 10 locations housed in 9 communities, as well as online, resources for entrepreneurs are only a short drive or keystrokes away!

• Looking for nutrition in gluten-free products

  Published on November 9, 2015
  Celiacs and other consumers of gluten-free food are motived by nutrition and clean-eating. Company’s can follow these recommendations to improve their products’ appeal to this demographic.

• Gluten-free product and sales growth

  Published on November 3, 2015
  Greater availability and variety in gluten-free foods led to a 136 percent growth over the last two years with meat alternatives, desserts, snacks and energy bars at the top of the growth charts.

• You’ve conquered the open market in Michigan, is it time to go international?

  Published on November 3, 2015
  Michigan State Trade Export Program is available to help companies looking to diversify their customer base, provide long-term stability and create new jobs through exporting.

• Starting your farm business transition

  Published on November 2, 2015
  Getting your farm transition started with communication and and a to-do list.

• Attract young professionals to the business world by including them in your succession planning

  Published on November 1, 2015
  Engaging young professionals in the succession planning of small businesses can serve as a great way to allow small towns to grow and attract young professionals to take over ownership, set roots to raise their families, and engage in long term leadership.

• Crowdfunding opens doors for entrepreneurs and communities to fund project in new ways

  Published on October 19, 2015
  Crowdfunding can be used to raise much needed capital for small businesses and public projects. This article provides some basics for understanding how this new method can be used by small businesses and communities looking to fund public projects.