Entrepreneurship Resources

Local Resources and Links

SBA’s Small Business Development Center in downtown Grand Rapids, located at Grand Valley State University. “The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) enhances Michigan’s economic well being by providing counseling, training, research, and advocacy for new ventures, existing small businesses and innovative technology companies.”

http://www.misbtdc.org/

SBA’s Business Information Center (BIC) is a one-stop resource for businesses, especially startups. It offers walk-in assistance and resources such as a business library, software for business plans and marketing, information on government and community training and other resources for businesses, and a business resource specialist to consult.

http://www.kamls.org/sbabic.shtml

Kent Area MicroBusiness Loan Services (KAMLS), which is co-located with BIC, is a non-profit, community-based economic development corporation with a coalition of over thirty organizations, including banks, non-profits, educational institutions, and governmental offices. KAMLS provides small business loans and technical assistance for "pre-bankable" start-up and growing companies.

http://www.kamls.org/

SCORE (Senior Core of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U. S. Small Business Administration. The Grand Rapids SCORE chapter has 24 counselors who provide FREE and CONFIDENTIAL business advice to any entrepreneur or small business in the Grand Rapids area—in person, by phone, or via E-mail.

http://www.grandrapids.org/score/

GROW (Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women) is a non-profit economic development organization which provides women - many of whom may face social, educational, or economic barriers - with opportunities to develop the skills and acquire the knowledge needed to achieve economic independence through self employment.

http://www.growbusiness.org/