SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT

PROVIDING NO-COST RESOURCES AND SUPPORT

For small businesses in Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties
Resources and Support

Start, Grow, & Expand Your Small Business With:

One-on-One Coaching

Personalized guidance to address your business challenges and opportunities.

Networking & Mentorship Opportunities

Expand your business network – connect with peers and industry leaders.

Workshops & Seminars

Participate in educational sessions on essential topics for small businesses.

Resource Connections

Learn more about small business funding resources.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The funding for these services is being provided by a grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This grant enables our partner organizations and Ann Arbor SPARK to provide these resources and support at no cost to eligible businesses.

If your small business does not qualify under this program, there are still many resources available to help. Visit the MEDCs website to learn more about assistance and resources available for Michigan small businesses.

Eligible small businesses include for-profit businesses who are:
Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

This includes existing businesses established before March 2020 that can demonstrate a disproportionate negative economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses Owned by Socially or Economically Disadvantaged Individuals (SEDI)

This includes new or existing businesses facing challenges in accessing capital and resources due to factors like racial, ethnic, or cultural bias, gender, veteran status, disability, or residence in underserved communities.

Businesses in CDFI Investment Areas

These include new or existing businesses located in Qualified Census Tracts or Rural Areas of Michigan. The map of these areas can be viewed here.

Minority-Owned Businesses

For new or existing businesses, at least 51% owned and operated by U.S. citizens from minority groups (including Asian Pacific, Hispanic, Hispanic, Asian Indian, Black / African, Native American, Middle East / North African).

Next Steps:

If your organization could benefit from our small business support program, please take a moment to complete our brief application form.

Small Business Support Application

Client Testimonials

This is my first time starting a business, so I don’t always know what exactly to do next. My small business coach has been really helpful in providing a roadmap and pointing me in the right direction for each phase.

Allison Zaluski,
Reroute Wellnes
I think, honestly, it sounds so textbook, but my small business coach believed in me—and that made all the difference. The support I received gave me the confidence to take my vision seriously and turn it into a real business.
Mutheu Elisaba,
Upeo Shop
Honestly, I was ready to shut down my practice. But working with my small business coach changed everything. They helped me rethink my pricing, add income by subleasing, and raise my rates with confidence. Now I’ve got a steady flow of clients, I’m leading corporate workshops, and my business is thriving. Coaching helped me see my worth—and build something that lasts.
Christina Herbin,
Harmony Counseling Center
I’ve been in this business a long time, but working with Small Business Support gave me a fresh perspective. My coach helped me clean up my messaging, improve my website, and rethink how I approach contracts. I started seeing APEX as a real opportunity instead of an afterthought—and that shift helped me land bigger contracts and grow my business.
Duane Pittman,
Vector Business Consulting
Small Business Support has introduced me to so many resources and knowledge that I didn’t have before. Without that connection, I would have been lost.
Nashia Frye,
No Label Juice
As a writer, I could clearly communicate my clients’ value, but struggled to find the right words for my own. Coaching helped me step back, clarify my voice, and finally share my story in a way that connected with the people I’m meant to serve.
Raquel Dunlavey,
The Persuasive Pen LLC

Business Support Partners

We have a network of experienced business support organizations across Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties who are ready to work with you!

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK is excited to work with our community partners to facilitate support services for small businesses. To learn more about Ann Arbor SPARK, you can visit the website here.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Have questions? We’re here to help.

This project is being supported, in whole or part, by federal award number SLFRP0127 awarded to the State of Michigan by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.