Newly created Business Resource Center Network is brimming with tools and resources for entrepreneur
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Email10-site Business Resource Centers create easy access to planning tools for today’s entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurs are the life blood of our economy. We commend you and your entrepreneurial spirit as we know that in reality, entrepreneurs are truly the individuals who create jobs that improve the economy – and we want to support your efforts.
Working closely with Michigan State University, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC), local libraries, chambers of commerce and others, we have established a network of Business Resource Center Network (BRCN) in Northern Michigan. By sharing resources, we are able to offer research and business development tools, provide business counseling and present valuable workshops and training programs designed specifically to meet the needs of the entrepreneur no matter where you are on your journey, from pre-startup to startup and throughout the growth stages.
Think of our BRCN as one resource center with 10 locations. Plus, there is a website component, so the BRCN can be as close as your computer – and all are designed to better serve you, the entrepreneur.
Each resource center has:
Business related books, magazines, periodicals and hard-copy resources
From “writing a business plan” basics to titles on specific types of business start-ups and growth, you’ll have access to a wide range of resources. There are also reference directories to assist in research and other demographic information.
Internet-based resources
Websites, market research and other web-based tools for the entrepreneur who needs to tap into the World Wide Web for the most updated info.
Business counseling
A trained MI-SBTDC business counselor is available for one-on-one business counseling. Our counselors travel throughout the network, and have regularly scheduled days when they are at each location. Library or chamber staff can help you schedule an appointment.
Business seminars
In addition to monthly “How to Start a Business” seminars, there are other training and seminar programs designed for entrepreneurs throughout the network.
MSU Extension has had a unique partnership relationship with the regional economic development organizationNorthern Lakes Economic Alliance for more than 20 years. Recognizing the strength of combining resources, this partnership focuses on economic development, entrepreneurship growth and community infrastructure throughout a four-county region in the northwest Lower Peninsula, specifically Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet counties. As a result, NLEA utilizes resources offered through MSU Extension and the NLEA provides leadership to state-wide programs sponsored by MSU Extension.
