Starting a new small business can be overwhelming – there are so many things to do and think about.
But those with the fortitude to dive headfirst into a new small business venture are the lifeblood of any thriving community. And the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) is here to help make your dream a reality.
Ninety-five percent of the businesses in Macomb County are defined as a “small business” - one that employs fewer than 500 people. Every day, MCPED works to help these businesses grow and assists entrepreneurs in starting their own small businesses.
Along with our business development partners, we can assist in your business start-up, from concept and creation through displaying your “Open for business” sign for the first time.
Are you just getting started?
The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Program at Macomb Community College will provide you with the diverse skills that you need to start your own business or manage someone else's company. In the program, you will learn to develop a new business plan, conduct market research, obtain capital resources, develop marketing strategies, pursue global opportunities and make informed decisions on legal issues, all while earning a short-term certificate or an associate of business administration degree.
Some of the entrepreneur programs offered by MCC include:
- An Entrepreneurship Degree Program. Credits earned in Macomb’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Program transfer to many colleges and universities in Michigan.
- An Entrepreneur Certificate Program. In this program, students will learn about smart business start-up steps, how to avoid financial pitfalls, legal protection against personal liability and unnecessary taxes, operating budgets, financing sources and marketing strategies. Students will be assisted in defining their targets, identifying competitors, and creating a business plan.
- The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The center offers ongoing services and resources to encourage new ideas and new business growth in Macomb County. These services are supported by Macomb Community College as part of its commitment to workforce and economic development in the region.
Free assistance is available to anyone, although current and former students and those hoping to start a business in Macomb County will have top priority.
SCORE of Southeast Michigan provides mentors who are experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and executives with a diverse set of industries and specialties who volunteer their skills and knowledge to help small business professionals start, develop, and grow businesses in southeast Michigan.
If you need help with your business plan, the Michigan Small Business Development Center provides no-cost or low-cost training workshops, free counseling and market research. The MSBD also provides services specializing in business startups, raising capital, technology commercialization, export strategy, business plan development, and financial management.
If you’re bringing your business to Macomb County from out-of-state or overseas, the Velocity Center in Sterling Heights provides entrepreneurship assistance, business training, sales training, access to funding, talent development and attraction, workspace needs and mental calibration.
Already have a business plan?
MCPED can help with a variety of decisions, from selecting your new business home to helping with financing and finding new employees. Once your business has been established, among the services our MCPED team can help you with include:
- Coordinating state and local investment incentives and financing programs.
- Facilitating workforce development efforts, including recruitment, training and retention.
- Create connections to future talent through a unique K-12 career engagement program.
- Support site selection, business attraction and expansion projects.
- Provide market research, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Assist with access to banking, legal, and accounting services.
If you need help with developing sound financial management practices, the Accounting Aid Academy offers free assistance. The Academy and its analysts ensure every small business is on firm financial footing, and that participants learn and learn to apply financial operations functions such as record keeping, interpreting and creating financial statements and how to make decisions around growing and sustaining their business.
Grant assistance
The Child Care Stabilization Grant
Licensed childcare providers are eligible and should visit Michigan.gov/childcare to confirm eligibility, review frequently asked questions, and apply. Applications are now open here. This is a non-competitive grant. All eligible applicants will receive funding. Childcare professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply.
Afflicted Business Relief (ABR) grant program
The Afflicted Business Relief (ABR) grant program distributes up to $409 Million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to businesses that suffered financial hardship due to Covid-19.
Generally speaking, eligible businesses are entertainment venues, recreational facilities and fitness centers, beauty salons and barber shops, nurseries and plant growers and places that provide overnight accommodations.