Regional Small Business Resources
Small Business Development Center
Offers expert assistance at no cost to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a business. Through personalized, one-on-one business consulting, they help small business owners with planning and growth strategies.
https://sbdcmichigan.org/
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
Provides loans for specific development projects, particularly in underserved communities. https://www.lisc.org/kalamazoo/
Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Assists with business development for those who wish to sell products and services to the federal, state, and local governments. Services are free of charge.
https://www.michiganworkssouthwest.org/employers/sw-mich-ptac/
United Way
Began implementing the City of Kalamazoo’s loan and grant programs in 2020. Funded by the Foundation for Excellence, these programs are designed to aid small businesses that are located within the city limits.
https://changethestory.org/
Buy Local Kalamazoo
Builds awareness of the benefits of supporting local independent businesses through marketing efforts and resources made available to members.
https://www.buylocalkalamazoo.org/
Can-Do Kalamazoo
Builds foundations and removing barriers to food business ownership through education, access to commercial kitchen facilities, and crucial resources.
https://candokalamazoo.org/
Michigan eLibrary
This online resource of your local public library offers free resources. The most powerful of these is Gale Business: DemographicsNow, which provides free access to key demographic data and business lists.
https://mel.org/welcome
SCORE
Provides free mentoring from business professionals who volunteer their time and expertise.
https://swmi.score.org/
City of Kalamazoo Economic Development
Helps with all aspects of development, like permitting, site selection, site plan review, and financial incentives. They also offer loans and grants for small businesses that are funded by the Foundation for Excellence.
https://kalamazoocity.org/development
WMU Innovation Center
The place to start and grow a life science, technology, or engineering venture. It offers subsidized, low-cost laboratory, office and conference space, high-quality scientific equipment and expertise, and a wide range of support services.
https://med.wmich.edu/node/373