Running a business can be simultaneously exhilarating and overwhelming. The process of starting or scaling a business comes with a lot of questions, and sometimes it can be challenging to know where to look for answers. There are options for developing your business, through consulting, funding and even ensuring it lives on long after you step down. Here are four resources that every entrepreneur should know about:
Lenawee Now’s Entrepreneur Center: Lenawee Now helps entrepreneurs in every stage from the back of a napkin idea to a fully established business. This program provides resources to assess the market, as well as develop strategies for expansion and revenue. In addition, the Entrepreneurial Center connects individuals to resources for marketing, patenting, and creating a successful product launch. Our team will meet with you personally, assess your needs and give you the support and connections for your business to thrive.
Contact Lenawee Now’s Entrepreneurial Services
Launch Lenawee Kitchen Incubator: The Launch Lenawee Kitchen Incubator supports chefs, bakers, caterers, and other food creators offering 24/7 MDARD-approved facility to create culinary masterpieces. Also, the incubator provides access to wholesale ingredient ordering, promotion and media connections, food safety and licensing guidance, and continuous business support.
Packages include different levels of membership, with costs ranging from $8-$25 per hour, depending on type and frequency of use.
Access the Kitchen Incubator
Financial Resources: Lenawee Now can help with accessing capital, including grants, loans, and affordable property initiatives. Loans range from microloans to multi-thousand dollar borrowing options. Also, there are opportunities for individuals who for whatever reason, have had difficulty borrowing by traditional means.
In addition to traditional financial resources, individuals have options for obtaining an affordable business site through the Lenawee County Land Bank, and the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)
Discover the available financial options.
The RedTire Program connects business owners who are ready to transition out of their enterprise with up-and-coming entrepreneurs. The retiring entrepreneur lists their business with the program, and they are matched to individuals interested in buying their business. After current and aspiring business owners have been matched, the next steps involve meeting to determine whether the transition will be a good fit and the logistics of the changeover.
Learn more about the RedTire Program.
Financial Resources:
There are many financial resources in Lenawee County to help entrepreneurs and small business owners. These include incentives, property resources, and loans. Business owners have access to:
• Access to capital through banks, private financiers, and local programs such as the Lenawee County Business Revolving Loan Fund and the Lenawee Now.
• Assistance with accessing land redevelopment and foreclosed property through Lenawee County Land Bank.
There are several additional resources, including options available for individuals who, for whatever reason, have had difficulty borrowing from traditional means.
Discover the available financial options.