Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) Program - Great Lakes Bay Small Business Hub

Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) Program - Great Lakes Bay Small Business Hub

Program Status: Awarded February 28, 2024; ongoing implementation

Funding Source: Governor Gretchen Whitmer's initiative in collaboration with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC); backed by President Biden's American Rescue Plan

Geographic Scope: Great Lakes Bay Region (Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw Counties)

Award Amount: Average $2.7 million per grantee (27 selected statewide from 80 applicants requesting over $275 million total)

Program Purpose: Expand and improve resources for small business support, with focus on economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs

Services Provided:

One-on-one coaching

Cohort-based learning and accelerators

Capital access and financing support

Networking events

Mentor matchmaking

Partner referrals

Pitch competitions

Statewide resource navigation

Physical Resources:

Flexible conference and office spaces in Midland, Bay City, Saginaw, and Mt. Pleasant

SVRC Marketplace for product sales opportunities

Harrison City Market (expanded service areas: Clare, Gladwin, Osceola counties)

Partner Organizations:

Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC)

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC)

Middle Michigan Development Corporation (MMDC)

Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance

Bay Area Chamber of Commerce

Bay Future

Midland Business Alliance

Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce

Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce

Saginaw Future

Key Contacts:

Email: info@cmurc.com

Phone: 989.202.6036

Website: cmurc.com/glbsbh

Notable Event: Mt. Pleasant facility grand opening held June 26, 2024