Michigan Business Network

What Michigan Business Network does

Michigan Business Network (MBN) is a privately held, founder-owned online broadcasting company headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, founded in 2011 by Chris Holman. The company operates a digital media platform serving Michigan's small and medium-sized business community, producing 30+ podcast programs, a daily blog, a mobile application on iOS and Android, six annual Speaker Series events, and a curated business events calendar. Core content covers entrepreneurship, leadership, manufacturing, automotive, finance, sales and marketing, and regional Michigan business news. A distinctive proprietary product is the Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI), a semi-annual economic survey co-commissioned with Cinnaire since 2012 that polls 400 Michigan SMBs on sentiment, sales, and outlook.

The underlying technology is a conventional digital media stack: live and on-demand audio streaming via web and mobile, blog/content management, and integration with podcast aggregators (SamCloud). Distribution channels include owned website, mobile apps, email newsletters, social media, and in-person events across Michigan venues. The company maintains a network of 15+ strategic partners spanning credit unions, universities, workforce agencies, legal services, and economic development organizations.

MBN's business model is freemium for end-users (all podcasts, articles, and Speaker Series events are free) with revenue generated through sponsorships, advertising, and recurring partnership programs priced on a quote-based, often annual cadence. The end-user audience is highly fragmented across Michigan SMBs, industry professionals, and economic development organizations, while the paying customer base is a concentrated set of regional sponsors. The company employs approximately 5 named team members (within an 11-50 employee band) and operates as a founder-controlled entity with no disclosed institutional investors or parent company.

Name

Michigan Business Network

Legal name

Michigan Business Network

Website

https://michiganbusinessnetwork.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Michigan Business Network is a Lansing-based digital media platform producing 30+ podcasts, articles, and events that deliver Michigan-focused business news and economic insights to small and medium-sized businesses, monetized through sponsorships and regional partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Business Media and Broadcasting

NAICS

Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (51621), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)

akta.pro primary industry

Podcast Networks & Studio Platforms (MPAIADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs) & Creator Management Platforms (MPACABAH), OTT Platform CMS & Content Operations (Catalog, Scheduling, Workflows) (MPAHAJAA)

Keywords

• Business podcast network
• Business media platform
• Economic insights
• Small business resources
• Business events broadcasting

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Sponsorships and Advertising: Digital promotion on website reaching Michigan business leaders and advocates. Partners and sponsors support the Speaker Series events and content production.
2. Partnership Programs: Partner organizations pay for digital promotion and support, which helps fund the content and events provided to the Michigan business community.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Michigan Business Network (MBN) is an online broadcasting and media company that produces and distributes 30+ business-focused podcasts, a daily business blog, the semi-annual Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) economic survey, and six annual Speaker Series events for Michigan's business community. Content is delivered via live streaming, on-demand audio, and a free iOS/Android mobile app, with revenue generated from sponsorships, advertising, and partnership programs with businesses and economic development organizations.

Product overview

Michigan Business Network is a podcast and media content platform serving Michigan's business community. The core offering is the MBN Podcast Network comprising 30+ business programs covering entrepreneurship, leadership, manufacturing, automotive, finance, sales, and regional Michigan business news. Supporting products include the MBN Mobile App (iOS/Android), the MBN Speaker Series (six annual events), the Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) semi-annual economic survey, a daily blog with business articles, a resource center connecting businesses to partner organizations, and a business events calendar. Content is distributed through live streaming, on-demand podcasts, and mobile access. The platform serves business owners, industry professionals, and economic development organizations through partnerships, sponsorships, and advertising.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MBN Podcast Network A network of 30+ business podcasts covering entrepreneurship, leadership, manufacturing, automotive, finance, sales and marketing, and regional Michigan business news. Delivered via live streaming and on-demand audio to business owners, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and economic development audiences in Michigan.
• MBN Mobile App A free mobile application available on iOS and Android that provides live and on-demand access to the full lineup of MBN podcasts and programs, enabling Michigan business listeners to access content on the go.
• MBN Speaker Series A series of six annual in-person events featuring expert speakers who share insights on Michigan's business environment, economic trends, and forecasts, with networking opportunities held throughout Michigan.
• Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) Survey A semi-annual economic survey and report tracking sentiment and outlook of Michigan's small and medium-sized businesses, commissioned by MBN and sponsored by Cinnaire. The survey covers economic satisfaction, challenges, sales, profits, and business plans, drawing approximately 400 respondents per cycle.
• MBN Blog and Articles A daily-updated blog providing news and insights about Michigan's economy, businesses, leaders, and economic development, spanning categories including accounting, finance, manufacturing, technology, leadership, and regional business.
• MBN Resource Center A curated directory of partner organizations supporting Michigan businesses, including SBA, NSBA, SBAM, MEDC, Michigan Celebrates Small Business, Edward Lowe Foundation, and MichiganWorks! Association.
• MBN Business Events Calendar A searchable calendar of Michigan business events, conferences, and webinars sourced from various organizations to help businesses discover networking and educational opportunities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65% of surveyed businesses rate Michigan as a good or excellent place to do business (Q2 2026)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CinnairecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCinnaire is a key strategic partner co-commissioning the Michigan Future Business Index (MFBI) survey. They sponsor the semi-annual economic research providing valuable insights about Michigan's small and medium-sized businesses.
• 8THIRTYFOURminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWeb development partner providing digital marketing services. They offer Big Deal Workshops and help drive traffic through PPC campaigns.
• BRD PrintingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPrinting needs partner providing promotional materials and printing services for MBN events and communications.
• CAMW!minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCapital Area Michigan Works! - Regional Job Services partner. CAMW! co-hosts programs and events for workforce development.
• Dean TransportationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel services partner offering bus to executive transportation. Sponsors MBN programming.
• Douglas J SalonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSalon, Med-Spa, and Beauty school services partner. Douglas J Companies sponsors MBN content.
• EDGE PartnershipsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing partner providing advertising and promotional services for MBN. Co-develops content including webinars.
• Fly LansingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCapital Region International Airport partner. Provides travel updates and sponsors MBN programming.
• Foster Swift AttorneysminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLegal services partner specializing in intellectual property. Sponsors MBN content and provides legal insights.
• Kettering UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner - Kettering University is an engineering and technology university. They sponsor MBN and provide educational content.
• LAFCUminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCredit union partner. LAFCU sponsors MBN events including the Smooth Jazz Fete and Women's Equality Day luncheon.
• Martin Commercial PropertiesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommercial Real Estate partner. Martin Commercial Properties sponsors MBN and hosts property management insights content.
• Michigan Works! AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide Workforce Association partner. Michigan Works! supports workforce development initiatives featured on MBN through co-hosted programs.
• Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSBAM co-hosts Owner2Owner (O2O) Regional Meetings with MBN. These meetings allow small business owners to build community and participate in networking, education, and advocacy.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• American City Business Journals: Network of regional business journals covering local business news across 40+ US markets. Closest functional comparable to MBN's regional business media franchise model at national scale.
• Crain's Detroit Business: Long-established Michigan-focused business news publication covering Detroit and broader Michigan business community. Most direct comparable to MBN's Michigan SMB audience and editorial focus.
• Crain's Chicago Business: Sibling publication to Crain's Detroit, covering Chicago-area business community with similar SMB and executive audience. Comparable regional business media model directly adjacent to MBN's Michigan market.
• Second Wave Michigan: Michigan-based digital media company covering entrepreneurship, business, and innovation in Michigan. Direct comparable in regional SMB and startup coverage.

Regional players

• MLive Media Group: Michigan's largest digital local news organization covering state and regional news. Comparable in Michigan-wide audience reach and digital-first media model, though broader than business-only.
• Bridge Michigan: Michigan-focused nonprofit news outlet covering state policy, business, and economic issues. Comparable Michigan-specific audience and editorial scope, though with a policy rather than SMB focus.

Broad incumbents

• Bloomberg Media: Global business news and media platform with audio/podcast offerings. Comparable in business-media-to-audience distribution model, though at vastly larger scale and broader scope.
• CNBC: Major business news network with digital, audio, and event offerings. Comparable business-news-to-audience distribution model, though national with much larger scale and resources.
• POLITICO: Political and policy news company with regional state-level publications and event businesses. Comparable in combining niche-focused journalism with high-value event and policy access.

Emerging players

• Industry Dive: Business media company producing vertical-specific newsletters and content for professionals. Comparable in targeted B2B content distribution and sponsorship-driven revenue model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Mibiznetwork
• Facebookfacebook.com/221700747870803

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 Business Network