Start-Up Basics
Developing your idea into a viable product or service is the first step towards turning your business vision into reality. Whether you want to open a manufacturing facility, restaurant, agricultural business, retail outlet or high-tech firm, basic research can help you advance your idea.
Here are some valuable resources to help you get started:
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Fundamentals of Starting a Business. Each month, the NLEA offers a "Fundamentals of Starting a Business" class for those who are considering starting a new business. NLEA Business Counselors and certified SBTDC Business Consultants Wendy Wieland and Tom Erhart lead participants through various aspects of starting a business including development of a business plan. If you are ready to get started, or just in the "dreaming" stage, this 2 hour session would be a great start!
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Michigan Business One-Stop. This online service makes it easier than ever to do business in Michigan.
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Readiness Assessment Tool. Michigan's Small Business and Technology Developent Center (SBTDC) offers an interactive program that details the nuts and bolts of launching a business, while helping you define what specific assistance you may need.
- NLEA - InsYght Portal. Free online tool that connects small businesses and start-ups to over 2,000 public, private and non-profit organizations and services.
Business Start-Up Guides
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Start-Up Guide. The SBTDC, in cooperation with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, publishes this downloadable guidebook that provides comprehsive information, both general and specific to Michigan including tips for writing a business plan; legal structure; licensing and permits; tax filings; financing; doing business with government; and much, much more.
- Entrepreneur Guide. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth produces another great resource designed to assist entrepreneurs with specific information about each of the different types of business entities that exist under Michigan law.
If at any time you would like the services of a business counselor, simply click here to find out how you can schedule a confidential appointment with a trained & certified MI-SBTDC business counselor; call the NLEA at 231-582-6482 or your local Chamber of Commerce for more information.
Business and Entrepreneurial Development Articles
