Small Business & Technology Development Center

Bo Garcia
Regional Director
Phone: (517) 483-1921
Fax: (517) 483-1675
E-mail: bgarcia@lcc.edu

Services

MI-SBTDC Region 8

Regional Center

6400-Lansing Community College

520 Seymour Street, PO Box 40010

Lansing, MI 48901-7210

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center^SM network provides a full range of services for a variety of small businesses that are emerging and growing throughout Michigan -- new venture companies, existing small businesses, expanding businesses, new technology companies, and innovators. The MI-SBTDC is known throughout Michigan for its quality counsel, training and market research capabilities. All services are available at low-or no-cost because of the financial support of the Small Business Administration and local partners in each region.

Counsel
One-on-one meetings with experienced business consultants are available to assist small business owners in the process of building viable business plans, establishing strategies for growth and survival, creating practical marketing approaches, dealing with unexpected challenges, and generating realistic financial goals. Each region specializes in the types of businesses found in their local communities.

Training
The best place to start building business success is with education – and a range of training programs are offered statewide. Focused on the needs of local entrepreneurs, training is available at the local level in a variety of formats. Individual seminars including how to get started, determining legal structure, accessing financing, effective selling, and e-commerce, are offered throughout the 12 MI-SBTDC regions. Complete programs that enable new venture and existing business owners to create new business plans from start to finish are also part of the training mix.

Research
Underlying success for businesses of all sizes is information – including the size and characteristics of industries, the marketplace, competition, foreign trade, and customer demographics. In addition to local resources, the MI-SBTDC provides a full range of information services through the Seidman School of Business.

Advocacy
The MI-SBTDC network is a grassroots advocate for small businesses, working in partnership with local resources to grow and strengthen companies. New ventures in particular may be unfamiliar with funding sources and support services. The MI-SBTDC works hard throughout the state to uncover opportunities and build relationships with organizations that can provide the extra assistance that makes a real difference to entrepreneurs.