Entrepreneurial Resources

Thinking of Starting Your Own Business?

Looking for assistance or advice on what to do and how to get started? The following resources can assist you in getting started in the world of being an entrepreneur.

The Oakland County Business Center

The Oakland County Business Center – Michigan-Small Business Technology Development Center – (OCBC MI – SBTDC) can provide help and assistance with starting your own business.

The Oakland County Business Center focuses on assisting small businesses and has been helping people start, manage and grow their small businesses since 1985. The OCBC SBTDC has a comprehensive process to help you navigate through the various decision making processes, make the right choices and increase your chances of success.

The OCBC SBTDC offers a series of workshops on a monthly basis from the “Business Basics” like, “The Fundamentals of Starting a Business” all the way through to “Advanced” workshops on marketing. Check out the Classes and Workshops Calendar for descriptions of the workshops and find dates that work for you.

“Business Planning Tools” are also available to illustrate templates and tools to help develop your business plan and financials.

Once you have developed a business plan, you can meet with a small business consultant by submitting a request for assistance by calling 1-248-858-0783.

U.S. Small Business Administration

The mission of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is to help Americans start, build, and grow a business. The SBA offers information on organizing your business from start to finish with the help of their Small Business Planner . This section addresses issues ranging from planning, starting, managing, and getting out of your business.

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Oakland University Incubator (OU INC)

Oakland University’s SmartZone Business Incubator (OU INC) provides entrepreneurial resources and strategic business solutions to develop intellectual property. The incubator supports existing and grows new technology-based and life science businesses with university resources, decision support technology, business counseling services and financial/capital acquisition assistance.

Automation Alley

Automation Alley is a technology business association connecting government, business and education. Since our founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government entities from the City of Detroit and the surrounding eight-county region.

Automation Alley offers its members and those in Southeast Michigan’s business community several opportunities aimed at growing a successful technology business. A variety of opportunities are available that assist members in expanding a company here in Southeast Michigan, including: educational seminars, free meeting space, a robust job board, an informative press release system and much more.

Ann Arbor SPARK

The mission of Ann Arbor SPARK is to advance the economic development of innovation-based businesses in the Ann Arbor region by offering programs, resources, and proactive support to business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations looking for expansion opportunities.

Ann Arbor is the Address of Innovation™. Ann Arbor SPARK is committed to making that address known worldwide.

Tech Town

TechTown seeks to become the world’s foremost business incubator, leading to an economic renaissance in the city, state and region. TechTown offers programs such as FastTrac, SmartStart, and BizdomU to assist in start-up services.

American Society of Employers

The American Society of Employers (ASE) serves Michigan’s Human Resource business community by providing programs and services to concentrate on human resource issues in an organization. Information is available for surveys, organizational development, HR services, events & seminars, learning & advancement, consulting services, and research services.

SCORE – Service Corps of Retired Executives

SCORE is dedicated in educating entrepreneurs using free and confidential assistance with planning and advice for small businesses. They provide online and in-person mentors, workshops, webinars, and other information to increase your chances of success in business.

SCORE is working with Michigan Works! to offer a FREE voucher to attend their “Could I…Should I, Start My Own Business” workshop. Without the voucher, the cost of the workshop is $10.00 per person for the class registration and materials. To receive a voucher, individuals must report in person to an Oakland County Michigan Works! Agency and indicate they are interested in attending the workshop. All individuals must have an active resume in the Michigan Talent Bank to receive a voucher.

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneur offers how-to guides and ideas on starting a business, getting financing, finding customers, and keeping you business plan on track.

This site also provides information on inventing, going green, buying franchises & other opportunities, e-Business, Sales & Marketing, and other tools & services.

Startup Business

Startup Business provides many resources for business owners. Whether starting or growing a new business, this site gives free templates, fill-in-the-blank forms, sample legal agreements, how-to articles and other crucial resources (by state) for your business to succeed.