GRAND RAPIDS - Fortitude, the mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, is a virtue required of all entrepreneurs. Challenges and setbacks will surely arise when starting a new small business, but they also affect businesses that have been around for years; none perhaps greater than the recession that hit many manufacturing companies 2 years
JENISON - Founded by Hank DeVries in 1965, DeVries Landscape Management is a landscape services business in Jenison. Bill Pringle, the company's current owner, purchased the business in 2009. The past year has been an active one of strategic planning to help build sales and a stronger presence in a crowded marketplace. DeVries is a
WASHINGTON ? The U.S. Small Business Administration Friday published a package of final rules that will revise regulations to strengthen its 8(a) Business Development program to better ensure that the benefits flow to the intended recipients and help prevent waste, fraud and abuse. The rules were published in The Federal Register and will become effective
WASHINGTON ? Lenders who participate in the U.S. Small Business Administration's Preferred Lender Program can approve loans through the agency's new Small Loan Advantage program beginning Feb. 15. At the same time, the agency will begin accepting applications from community-based, mission-focused lenders who are interested in making SBA-guaranteed loans through the new Community Advantage program.
MICHIGAN - PNC is the platinum sponsor for the 2011 Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards program, the state's premier awards ceremony for entrepreneurs and supporters of small business. PNC has sponsored MCSB for the past seven years, since its inception, because they want to be part of the success stories and energy that resonates beyond
YPSILANTI ? Valentine's Day Feb. 14 also marks the launch of the $120 million Venture Michigan Fund II, which follows on the heels of the fully committed $95 million Venture Michigan Fund 1. To make the launch, four private equity capital experts will host a press roundtable at the Eagle Crest Conference Center in Ypsilanti
ANN ARBOR - The New Enterprise Forum announced Tuesday that Tom Porter and Dick Sarns, both successful Ann Arbor entrepreneurs, will receive Lifetime Achievement awards at the NEF 25th anniversary gala on February 17th. The recipients exemplify notable entrepreneurship through their ability to build Ann Arbor companies that are leading in their respective fields. Dick
YPSILANTI - Six business plans were selected as finalists for the Eastern Michigan University Skandalaris Business Plan Competition as high school and university students will compete for cash prizes totaling $5,000. The teams will present at the Sesi Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference on February 11 at the EMU Student Center. University finalists include: Randy Wiltshire (EMU)
WASHINGTON - Small business owners can participate in a discussion on the major disaster events that caused business interruptions in 2010 during a free webinar Feb. 15 hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Agility Recovery Solutions. In addition to looking back at the most unusual event - the BP oil spill - the
ANN ARBOR - Ann Arbor SPARK has launched a new talent portal on its website. Based on feedback from employers, the talent portal includes a range of new features to help businesses attract employees and manage job postings. Unlike other general job boards, the Ann Arbor SPARK talent portal is designed to help skilled professionals