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:

Michigan Business One-Stop. This online service makes it easier than ever to do business in Michigan.
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.

Business Start-Up Guides

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.

Business Counseling Services:

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance offers assistance, depending on your expertise and background, to help you get started in business. To register for one of our monthly business orientation classes, please contact the NLEA at (231) 582-6482, or info@northernlakes.net. To schedule a confidential, no-cost appointment with one of our staff, you must have attended our orientation class, or have owned/operated a business previously.

SCORE is the acronym for "Service Corps of Retired Executives"; an organization comprised of successful professionals who volunteer to assist with business counseling, mentoring and training. To learn more about the opportunities available through SCORE, please visit Tip of the Mitt Score or the Grand Traverse SCORE chapter at Grand Traverse SCORE Chapter

Additional Resources:

Northwest Michigan Council of Governments: Census and Regional Data

Entrepreneur Club of Emmet County