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:

•  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

• 2007 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 

Location, Location, Location!

Choosing the right location for your business will be a major factor in its success.  A good location may permit a struggling business to survive, but a weak location can mean trouble for even the most promising of new business start-ups.  Similarly, the business model should be compatible with the needs of the community.

Here are some excellent tips and resources to help you determine the best and most profitable location for your business.

• Zoning:  Every township, village and city defines and restricts how property may be used through zoning regulations.  In some cases, these laws can prohibit certain types of business, and impact building construction, improvements, signage, barrier free, and other business practices.  For more information on zoning laws contact your local government office, or visit the following:

Antrim County

• Villages and Townships

Charlevoix County

• Cities and Townships

Cheboygan County

• Aloha Township
• Burt Township
• Mackinaw Township
• Munro Township
• Tuscarora Township
• Cheybogan
• Mackinaw City

Emmet County

• Townships
• Alanson
• Harbor Springs
• Pellston
• Petoskey

• Business Overview:  Your local Chamber of Commerce can provide a comprehensive profile of the local business community.  Your Chamber is also an essential resource to connect you with business services, networking and educational events and opportunities, and localized business start-up information.  Regional Chambers include:

Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce

Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce

Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce

East Jordan Chamber of Commerce

Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Greater Mackinaw Area Chamber of Commerce

Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce

Indian River Chamber of Commerce

Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Demographics:  Statistics and data can provide an overview of business and consumer trends over a period of time.  The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has an excellent tool that can be used to customize County-specific information detailing historical changes in the economy, employment, and business, industry and consumer trends, and more.  Profiler.

Additional Resources:

Northwest Michigan Council of Governments:  Census and Regional Data

Entrepreneur Club of Emmet County