Michigan Small Business Development Center

What Michigan Small Business Development Center does

Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) is a nonprofit, federally authorized small business development organization that delivers no-cost consulting, training, and market research to Michigan small businesses. It operates as the official state affiliate of the America's SBDC network under a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs (ASBDC), and is hosted statewide by the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. Service delivery runs through ten regional offices embedded in partner universities and colleges (GVSU, Kettering University, Mid Michigan College, Michigan Technological University, Western Michigan University, Lansing Community College), supplemented by two statewide specialist teams — a Growth Team for established businesses (10+ employees, $1M+ revenue) and a Technology Team for advanced-tech commercialization — plus an On-Demand LMS, online intake forms (TFA Forms), a CRM-managed client pipeline on a Salesforce-style stack, Constant Contact-powered newsletters, and GTranslate-based multilingual delivery in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese. Core services span startup consulting, growth advisory, market research, cybersecurity (Small Business Big Threat program), export services, manufacturing and disaster recovery support, succession planning (using the Value Builder System and a proprietary Scratchpad Valuation Tool), and AI readiness workshops and webinars.

The organization's business model is grant-funded rather than fee-based. Revenue comes from a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), regional host institutions, and foundation/corporate grants pursued by the Director of Finance & Grants; in return, all consulting, training, and market research services are provided to clients at no cost. Customer segments are diversified by design: startup entrepreneurs, established small businesses, advanced-tech founders, business owners planning exit or succession, Michigan manufacturers (including EV-supply-chain pivots via the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program), and diverse/underrepresented entrepreneurs. Reported 2025 impact includes $296.5 million in capital formation facilitated, 487 new businesses started, 1,518 jobs created, and 9,731 unique clients served across all ten regions.

Strategically, MI-SBDC is expanding its reach and product surface while deepening ecosystem integration. 2024–2025 moves include the addition of two Tech Team consultants (MedTech and BlueTech verticals, April 2025), a Baker College partnership extending services into ten northwest Michigan counties, a formal AI advisory line anchored by the AI Guidebook and AI webinars, dedicated senior leadership for fundraising, and participation in a network of 27 MEDC-funded small business support hubs alongside partners such as Ann Arbor SPARK, 20Fathoms, Battle Creek Unlimited, and regional banks (Huntington, Fifth Third, Comerica). Multi-language delivery and FDIC-co-hosted diversity outreach round out a deliberate broadening of the addressable client base.

Name

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Legal name

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Website

https://michigansbdc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Michigan SBDC is a nonprofit, federally authorized small business development organization that delivers no-cost consulting, training, market research, and AI advisory to Michigan small businesses via ten regional offices and two statewide specialist teams.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Small Business Development Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Computer Training (61142), Management Consulting Services (54161), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54), All Other Business Support Services (561499)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Research Administration & Grants Management Support (Pre/Post-Award, Compliance) (EDAEALAO)

Keywords

• Small business consulting
• Business development services
• Market research services
• Entrepreneurship training
• Export services consulting

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Rapids

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Cooperative Agreements: Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), with additional support from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), regional hosts, and local partners. All consulting, training, and market research services are provided at no cost to clients.
2. State Appropriation and Regional Host Funding: Michigan SBDC services are supported through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and regional host institutions (e.g., Grand Valley State University Seidman College of Business, Kettering University, Mid Michigan College, Michigan Technological University, Western Michigan University, Lansing Community College). The statewide host is Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.
3. Foundation and Corporate Grants (Sourced via Director of Finance & Grants): Director of Finance & Grants role provides funding strategies and opportunities for local corporations, community leaders, and donors to support SBDC programs and services, including urgent support services provided during economic crises.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

Michigan SBDC delivers no-cost, confidential one-on-one business consulting, business education (webinars, workshops, on-demand LMS courses), market research, cybersecurity assessments, export services, and tech commercialization support to Michigan small businesses and entrepreneurs. All services are provided free of charge to Michigan small businesses and are funded through federal (SBA) and state (MEDC) grants plus regional host institutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Startup Consulting Services Free, confidential one-on-one consulting for Michigan residents with an early-stage business idea, covering idea validation, business plan development, registration and licensing, and access to startup funding sources. Delivered by core regional consultants across all 10 Michigan SBDC regions.
• Growth Team Consulting Services Specialized consulting from the statewide Growth Team for Michigan small businesses with 10+ employees and $1M+ revenue, covering growth strategy, marketing and sales scaling, operational improvement, financing, and succession planning.
• Market Research Services Free market research for Michigan small businesses, including target audience analysis, search engine optimization (SEO), and competitive intelligence, helping clients make informed decisions about products, services, customer acquisition, and loyalty.
• Small Business Big Threat Cybersecurity Program Free cybersecurity assessment and educational program for Michigan small businesses, including a monthly Security Bytes e-newsletter to help owners evaluate and improve their security posture.
• Export Services Free export services for Michigan small businesses, providing business planning, landed cost estimates, and State Export Assistance Team guidance to help owners expand into international markets.
• Advanced Technology Business Consulting (Tech Team) Specialized consulting from the statewide Technology Team for Michigan tech startups and advanced technology companies seeking commercialization, funding, and launch support, including specialists in life sciences/health tech and freshwater innovation/rural tech.
• Manufacturing Resources and Support Resources and consulting for Michigan small- and mid-sized manufacturers, including support for pivoting from ICE to EV supply chain through the Supplier Conversion Grant Program and partnerships with Centrepolis Accelerator, the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute, and the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
• On-Demand Business Education Library (LMS) Self-serve learning management system at lms.michigansbdc.org offering one-click access to business courses and webinar recordings on topics including starting a business, business plan, legal, financial management, marketing, and cybersecurity. Free with account registration.
• Live Webinars and Workshops No-cost and low-cost live webinars and in-person workshops delivered across Michigan, covering topics such as QuickBooks, How to Sell Your Business, Forming Your LLC, restaurant industry, and AI for small business.
• SBA Disaster Loan Program Navigation Counseling and navigation support to help Michigan small businesses affected by disasters understand and apply for SBA disaster loan programs.
• Tariff Support Services Advisory and resource services to help Michigan small businesses understand and respond to tariff impacts, including navigation tools and partner-supported resource centers (e.g., Ann Arbor SPARK Tariff Resource Center).
• Northern Michigan Ice Storm Support Dedicated support resources for Michigan small businesses impacted by ice storms and other disasters, providing access to recovery funding, counseling, and partner programs.
• Business Valuation and Succession Planning Consulting Business valuation and succession planning consulting for Michigan small business owners preparing to sell or transition ownership, including use of the proprietary Scratchpad Valuation Tool and the adopted Value Builder System scoring methodology, plus How to Sell Your Business workshops.
• Pitch Competitions (Business by the Bay, Ignite Manistee, EdTech Innovation Bootcamp, HYPE) Live pitch competitions (Business by the Bay, Ignite Manistee, EdTech Innovation Bootcamp, HYPE Southwest Michigan) offering cash prizes, expert mentorship, and business training for early-stage Michigan entrepreneurs.
• AI Guidebook for Small Business Written AI guidance resource published via Michigan SBDC's Start a Business toolkit to help Michigan small business clients understand and adopt AI tools.

Quantifiable outcome

• $296.5 million in capital formation facilitated for Michigan small businesses in 2025
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

36 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University (GVSU)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe statewide host of the Michigan SBDC network is the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University. J.D. Collins (State Director) and the lead center team are based at GVSU. GVSU also operates the Muskegon Innovation Hub, which hosts the Lakeshore Business Growth Expo, with the West Michigan SBDC Regional Director Ed Garner involved in event planning.
• Association of SBDCs (ASBDC)flagshipOthersThe Michigan SBDC is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs. ASBDC accreditation standards are used by Sienna Mavima (Assistant State Director) to manage the network's performance systems. America's SBDC Accredited Member logo is featured on the Michigan SBDC website footer.
• Kettering UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional host of the I-69 Trade Corridor Region (Regional Director: Janis Mueller), located in Flint.
• Mid Michigan CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional host of the Mid Michigan Region (Regional Director: Tony Fox); also home of CMURC and the new Great Lakes Bay Small Business Hub. Tony Fox has been with the SBDC at Mid Michigan College since 2006.
• Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional host of the Upper Peninsula Region (Regional Director: Daniel Yoder), located in Houghton, covering 15 counties. Jim Baker (Associate VP for Research Administration, Michigan Tech) sits on the Michigan SBDC Advisory Board. The Upper Peninsula Regional SBDC office also collaborates with the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and the College of Business at Michigan Tech.
• Western Michigan University (WMU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional host of the Southwest Michigan SBDC (Regional Director: Bonnie Gabriel), and partner for the Van Andel Global Trade Center (VAGTC) New-to-Export Workshop.
• Lansing Community College (LCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional host of the Capital Region SBDC (Regional Director: Laurie Lonsdorf).
• Baker CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaker College is partnering with the Michigan SBDC in Cadillac to support entrepreneurs and boost local economies across ten northwest Michigan counties, including hosting the SBDC's Cadillac startup bootcamp in November 2025.
• Ann Arbor SPARKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-marketing partner for the Washtenaw County small business ecosystem, including co-hosting the Entrepreneurial Boot Camp and Pitch Competition, the Business Plan Cohort & Competition (Fall 2025), and the Tariff Resource Center. Ann Arbor SPARK also received a $3.4 million state grant to support small businesses in Washtenaw, Livingston, and Monroe counties, with Michigan SBDC as a partner.
• 20FathomscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of the Ignite Manistee pitch competition and partner in the 10 Northwest Michigan business grant program with Venture North. Gretchen Swanson (Director of Talent, 20Fathoms) sits on the Michigan SBDC Advisory Board.
• Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance / Flint & Genesee GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization administering the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub, which provided grants to 20 Genesee County small businesses in 2025. Michigan SBDC provides data-informed counseling, financial mentorship, and resource connections for the program.
• Eastern Michigan Small Business Network (EM-SBN)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartners on the 2024/2025/2026 Small Business Grant Award Program, distributing up to $20,000 in grants to small businesses in Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, and St. Clair counties (total $213,158 in 2026 funding).
• Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity (LEO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program to help small- and mid-sized automotive manufacturers shift from ICE to EV supply chain.
• Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program.
• University of Michigan Economic Growth InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program.
• Michigan Manufacturing Technology CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on the Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program.
• Lean Rocket LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Lenawee Now, Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale County, and Michigan SBDC to expand small business support to Lenawee and Hillsdale counties under a $1.4 million MEDC grant.
• Michigan VirtualcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of the annual Michigan EdTech Innovation Bootcamp and Pitch Contest, offering $22,000 in startup grants to educators and innovators; co-marketing through EdTech Catalyst newsletter.
• Battle Creek UnlimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoe Sobieralski (President / CEO, Battle Creek Unlimited) sits on the Michigan SBDC Advisory Board.
• Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerManager of the Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Awards program, in which Michigan SBDC actively nominates clients for Best Small Business awards.
• National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNVBDC serves on the Advisory Committee of Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB), in collaboration with the Michigan SBDC and SBAM Foundation.
• Van Andel Global Trade Center (VAGTC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of the New-to-Export Workshop in West Michigan, providing free export services to help Michigan small businesses expand globally.
• Manistee Area Chamber of CommerceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of the Ignite Manistee pitch competition and partner on local small business support.
• Sault Tribe ThriveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinority business development agency serving seven counties in the Upper Peninsula; partnered with Michigan SBDC on grant program and business center grand opening.
• Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperator of the TREK Small Business Support Hub serving Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties; co-marketing partner.
• Northern Lakes Economic AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting organization of the 10 Northwest Michigan business grant program.
• Target Alpena Development CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperator of the Target Huron Small Business Support Hub serving Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco, and Presque Isle Counties.
• FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted a National Small Business Week webinar focusing on the role of SBDCs in supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by Black and brown people.
• Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub (CUPSBSH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded $105,875 in grants in its first grant cycle to small businesses across seven counties in the U.P., backed by $3.4 million in MEDC funding.
• Lenawee NowminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit public-private partnership driving economic opportunity in Lenawee County; partnered with Michigan SBDC, Lean Rocket Lab, and Hillsdale County EDP.
• Economic Development Partnership of Hillsdale CountyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on the $1.4 million MEDC grant with Lean Rocket Lab and Michigan SBDC to expand small business support.
• Fenton & Linden Regional Chamber of CommerceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAffiliate location for the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub, helping small businesses in Genesee County access SBDC services.
• Southwest Michigan Regional ChamberminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of the inaugural HYPE event in Southwest Michigan, awarding over $65,000 in prizes to young entrepreneurs.
• Emerge Innovation HubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-host of the inaugural HYPE event in Southwest Michigan celebrating young entrepreneurial talent.
• Muskegon Innovation HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGVSU-operated hub that hosted the inaugural Lakeshore Business Growth Expo in November 2025, inspired by Michigan SBDC's Small Business and Financing Fair.
• Genesee Economic Development GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Fenton & Linden Regional Chamber on the Flint & Genesee Small Business Support Hub affiliate location.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Broad incumbents

• America's SBDC Network: National accreditation body and network administrator for all U.S. Small Business Development Centers, including Michigan SBDC. Michigan SBDC is an accredited member and is funded in part through a federal Cooperative Agreement that flows through this network. Comparable because it sets standards and aggregates impact across all 63 SBDC networks.

Direct peers

• SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): National SBA resource partner providing free mentoring, workshops, and business education to small businesses. Most directly comparable free business advisory service to Michigan SBDC; operates via a volunteer model and shares federal SBA funding pathway. Both compete for the same small business client base in Michigan.
• California Small Business Development Center (CalSBDC): Largest state SBDC network in the U.S. and direct peer to Michigan SBDC as a sister state SBDC. Offers comparable no-cost consulting, training, and market research services to California small businesses, with similar SBA Cooperative Agreement funding structure and ASBDC accreditation.
• Florida SBDC Network: Another large state SBDC network providing comparable no-cost consulting, training, and market research to Florida small businesses. Operates under the same SBA Cooperative Agreement framework and serves a similar SMB client base, making it a structural and operational peer to Michigan SBDC.

Emerging players

• Women's Business Centers (WBC) Program: SBA-affiliated program providing free business training and counseling specifically to women entrepreneurs. Comparable because it shares the no-cost SBA-funded consulting model targeting underrepresented SMB segments that Michigan SBDC also serves through its Diverse Entrepreneurs program.
• Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC): SBA program providing business training, counseling, and resource referrals to veteran-owned small businesses. Comparable as an SBA-funded no-cost business advisory focused on an underserved SMB segment, with overlapping client base with Michigan SBDC's minority/veteran outreach efforts.
• Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC): Federally funded program (also referenced via Michigan SBDC's APEX Accelerator Best Small Businesses award) helping small businesses compete for government contracts. Comparable because Michigan SBDC's Tech Team and Growth Team explicitly include APEX Accelerator / government contracting services among their offerings.

Others

• Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC): State economic development agency that funds Michigan SBDC and operates complementary programs (Make It in Michigan, Supplier Conversion Grants, 27 small business support hubs). Strictly an enabler/funder rather than competitor, but the deepest institutional relationship in Michigan SBDC's partner ecosystem.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Federal agency that funds Michigan SBDC through a Cooperative Agreement, sets accreditation standards, and operates complementary programs (SBA loans, SBIR, etc.). The Michigan District SBA Director sits on the Michigan SBDC Advisory Board. Parent/funder relationship rather than competitor, but materially shapes Michigan SBDC's operating model.
• Edward Lowe Foundation / Big Valley of Small Businesses: Michigan-based nonprofit focused on second-stage small business growth research, peer learning, and Big Valley of Small Businesses initiative. Comparable because it operates in the same SMB support/advisory space in Michigan, often co-serving clients alongside Michigan SBDC; serves as a thematic peer and ecosystem participant.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MichiganSBDC
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCFFAulAXZFvRBHrQpuiLCCA
• Facebookfacebook.com/MichiganSBDC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/michigan-sbdc
• Instagraminstagram.com/michigansbdc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Michigan Small Business Development Center