Small Business Development Center receives funding to boost technical training services

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) secured private funding to administer ongoing technical support for entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Kalamazoo County.

The grant provided by the Stryker Johnston Foundation will allow the Michigan SBDC, located within Western's Haworth College of Business, to expand access to one-on-one business consulting, market research and educational programs for individuals interested in starting or growing a small business through the Michigan SBDC’s Uplift Kalamazoo training series.

“This funding is coming at the right time,” says Tamara Davis, regional director of the Michigan SBDC office. “As a result of the pandemic, we saw a 300% increase in requests for service, and this interest is not letting up. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are looking for resources and information related to starting, expanding or shoring up businesses.”

To meet the needs of individuals interested in participating in the Uplift Kalamazoo program, workshops will be held at the Haymarket Building located at 161 E. Michigan Avenue in downtown Kalamazoo. In addition to the workshops, one-on-one business consulting will be provided in person or virtually, depending on clients’ needs.

“Offering expanded SBDC services in innovative ways is something WMU Haworth is pleased to be able to facilitate, and we appreciate the investment that the Stryker Johnston Foundation has made in our community,” says Dr. Satish Deshpande, dean of the Haworth College of Business. “In addition, the SBDC is managing Western’s student incubator, Starting Gate, which will serve as an entrepreneurial hub for Kalamazoo County and foster the talent of student entrepreneurs who we hope will locate businesses in the area.”

"The Stryker Johnston Foundation is grateful for our partnership with Western Michigan University and the Michigan SBDC,” says Yolonda Lavender, Stryker Johnston Foundation grant program and partnerships director. “We look forward to supporting their work in ensuring that those who have historically been excluded have intentional access to the resources they need."

Uplift Kalamazoo programing will begin in November. The goal of the program is to position entrepreneurs to successfully access capital and build a roadmap of sustainability. However, individuals interested in receiving the no-cost small business services provided by the Michigan SBDC may access those at any time and are encouraged to learn more.

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