MI Small Business Helper
MI Small Business Helper is a free to use, digital platform connecting Southeast Michigan entrepreneurs and founders to trusted local resources, guides and programs — all in one easy-to-use place.
If you’re running a business or thinking about starting one in Southeast Michigan, MI Small Business Helper is for you. Resources are specifically designed for:
- Current small business owners
- Aspiring entrepreneurs considering starting a business
- Founders at any stage – from idea to succession
- Small businesses in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb County and the City of Detroit
MI Small Business Helper is powered by the New Economy Initiative (NEI) and the Gilbert Family Foundation.
Visit MI Small Business Helper
Explore Key Features
This platform acts as a roadmap to navigate the complexities around starting, running or growing a business. Its key features include the following:
A Searchable Directory of Resources
Over 80 trusted regional support organizations that provide no-cost and low-cost tools, resources and programming for small business owners are gathered in a searchable directory.
Step-by-Step Business Guides
Whether it’s starting a business, opening a brick-and-mortar location or finding funding, the MI Small Business Helper includes step-by-step guides that serve as a playbook, so business owners don’t have to navigate these complex processes alone.
A Curated Events Calendar
A frequently updated calendar of small business-related events including training sessions, pop-up retail opportunities, business training classes, networking opportunities and more.
A Library of Downloadable Resources
A hub of curated resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Southeast Michigan. Organized by topics like startup, finance, HR, legal and marketing, it connects users to guides, templates and tools from trusted sources. This one-stop library makes it easy to find practical, vetted information for every stage of business growth.
Regulatory Considerations
This helps entrepreneurs understand the licenses, permits and compliance requirements for running a business in Detroit and in Michigan. It covers statewide rules and offers a detailed look at Detroit-specific regulations like zoning, permits, and inspections. The guide helps navigating legal requirements clearer and more manageable for small business owners. More cities will be added in the future.
A Running List of Grant Opportunities
A current list of grant programs available in Southeast Michigan to help small businesses start, grow, or improve. It is regularly updated so entrepreneurs can easily find timely opportunities that match their needs.
Why MI Small Business Helper Was Created
Southeast Michigan is home to a rich network of business support services and resources for small business owners, entrepreneurs and founders. The network of resources is so vast, it can be difficult for small business owners to know where to start when they need support.
MI Small Business Helper was created to solve that challenge, making business support accessible to everyone at any stage of business.
MI Small Business Helper removes the confusion and fragmentation of navigating the small business community by centralizing resources, tools, guides and connection opportunities all in one place.
The platform aims to meet small businesses where they are, whether they’re starting, growing or solving a specific business challenge, and connect them to the right help, faster.
Need Support With MI Small Business Helper?
If you have any questions, contact info@michigansmallbusinesshelper.com or call 313-944-0500.