Business Support Services

Small business owners and entrepreneurs often need help turning their bright ideas into successful business ventures. Throughout the Southeast Michigan region, a wealth of resources exists to help them do just that. From writing a comprehensive business plan to advertising initiatives and finance options, Automation Alley, its regional partners and other community organizations provide you with ready access to quality resources geared toward your specific small-business needs.

Additional Resources:

Automation Alley Technology Accelerator
Automation Alley offers programs, services and funding to help entrepreneurs commercialize new technologies. Assists small to mid-size companies in growing their businesses by bringing new products and services to the marketplace. Additional information can be found here.

Michigan Business One Stop
An online service that guides users who want to start, operate or expand a business in Michigan. Business owners can apply for or renew permits and licenses, file annual reports and pay unemployment taxes, or any other fees they are subject to under state law. Information is shared across state departments with one, easy e-payment system, and the site provides businesses information about transaction status in a new, paperless environment. Visit at www.michigan.gov/business.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center
Features innovative training and consulting services designed specifically for small to mid-size manufacturers. Visit at www.mmtc.org.

Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC)
Provides services and support to the Michigan small business community in the areas of counsel, training, research and advocacy. Visit at www.misbtdc.org/region9.

Michigan Works! Association
Recognized nationally as the largest and most progressive workforce development association in the country; fosters high-quality employment and training programs serving employers and businesses.

Michigan Works! has Service Centers throughout Southeast Michigan, including the following areas:

• Ferndale
• Macomb-St. Clair
• North Oakland
• Oak Park
• Southfield
• Troy
• Walled Lake
• Waterford

New Enterprise Forum (NEF)
A not-for-profit corporation founded in 1986 to help entrepreneurs prosper and grow. NEF links entrepreneurs to management expertise, potential joint venture partners, mentors, business services, capital and other critical resources. Visit at www.newenterpriseforum.org.

SBIR & STTR Programs
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are federal research programs which distribute over $2 billion in grant funding.