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Governor Gretchen Whitmer is committed to ensuring small business not only succeed, but they thrive in Michigan.

Supporting Michigan's Mainstreet Businesses

MEDC’s small business support programs include International Trade, Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC), Entrepreneurship & Innovation focused on high-tech startups, and community development small business programs focused on place-based Main Street businesses, as well as support for small businesses through traditional business development incentives and capital access programs. MEDC also supports small business service providers like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC).

Since January 2021, the MEDC and its partners have supported small businesses over 30,000 times. This includes more than 175 announced Business Development and Capital Access projects projected to create over 5,000 jobs and $1B in private investment.

Providing Unemployment Resources

Back to work incentive.

Michigan’s Work Share program allows employers to restart their business and bring employees back from unemployment. Employers can bring employees back with reduced hours - while employees collect partial unemployment benefits to make up a portion of the lost wages. Employers can also retain their current workforce and are given the flexibility to choose which of their employees are part of a Work Share plan.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Governor Whitmer's actions to expand and extend access to unemployment programs have provided a critical lifeline for 3.5M Michiganders since March 2020, paying over $40B in benefits.

Connecting Talent

Apprenticeship expansion.

Creating benefits for employers and career seekers through on-the-job learning focused on new industry sectors and increasing the diversity of participants by recruiting groups historically underrepresented. Federal grants will help Michigan create more than 6,000 new apprentices over the next few years.

Tuition-Free Degrees And Certificates

By investing $24M in the Futures for Frontliners program, Governor Whitmer launched a new, first in nation scholarship program that resulted in over 120,000 essential, frontline worker applicants on a tuition-free path. Whitmer also launched Michigan Reconnect with a $30M investment to ensure over 4.1 million Michiganders age 25 or older will have an opportunity to earn a tuition-free associate degree or skills certificate. To date, over 100,000 Michiganders have applied.

Virtual Job Fairs

Michigan has ensured employers had access to traditional job search tools by organizing over 100 free virtual job fairs and connecting over 2,600 employers and 9,900 job seekers.

Addressing Child Care Needs

Mi tri-share child care program.

One of the biggest barriers for people seeking to rejoin the workforce is the cost of child care — resulting in more and more parents being left out of the work force. MI Tri-Share, an innovative bipartisan program introduced by Gov. Whitmer, was created to change all that.

Through MI Tri-Share, the cost of an employee's child care is shared equally among the employer, the employee and the State of Michigan — a three-way split — with coordination being provided regionally by a MI Tri-Share facilitator hub. With MI Tri-Share, parents can get back to work knowing that their kids are safe, cared for and have the opportunity to succeed.

Record $1.4B Investment

Governor Whitmer signed a record $1.4 billion in childcare funding to expand access to high-quality, affordable childcare by:

• Strengthening existing childcare programs and opening more childcare businesses across the state.
• Delivered $1,000 bonuses to 38,000 childcare professionals and expanded access to affordable college degrees and certificates to boost recruitment.
• Increasing childcare subsidy rates to better align state payments with the cost of providing high quality care.

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Small Business Assistance and Resources

Funding Support Programs for Small Businesses

Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund

A loan program for women, veterans and entrepreneurs of color who don’t qualify for traditional loans through banks or other financial institutions, providing opportunities for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged due to a lack of access to capital and credit.

Small Business Lending

Capital Access is made up of several programs that can help small business throughout Michigan receive loans from banks and lending institutions to help their businesses grow and succeed. MEDC works directly with lenders who in turn can provide traditional financing to small businesses.

Downtown Growth with Match on Main

Match on Main is a small business grant program is for eligible businesses in Certified Redevelopment Ready or Michigan Main Street communities. The program provides up to $25,000 for interior and exterior renovations and working capital.

Manufacturing Technology Grant

The Industry 4.0 Implementation Grant provides 50% reimbursement up to $25,000 to small manufacturers looking to adopt qualifying Industry 4.0 technologies.

Michigan State Trade Expansion Program

The MI-STEP grant provides 50% reimbursement up to $15,000 for eligible exporting activities, helping companies access new global markets and buyers.

Early Stage Funding

Early stage funding is critical to the success of startup companies and entrepreneurs. Through a number of programs, MEDC’s Entrepreneurial & Innovation initiative helps you find the early stage funding needed.

Michigan Mobility Funding Platform

The Michigan Mobility Funding Platform provides grants to mobility and electrification companies looking to deploy their technology solutions in the state.

Michigan Business Development Program

Micro MBDP is an incentive program available from MEDC designed to provide grants, loans and other economic assistance to businesses that create jobs and/or provide investment in the state.

As we look at ways to grow an equitable and resilient economy in Michigan, we remain committed to supporting our small businesses, their workers, and the local communities in all corners of the state.

Quentin L. Messer, Jr.

CEO of MEDC

Small Business Resource Finder

Michigan is home to a robust network of resources ready to help you start or grow your small business. Designed for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, use our Small Business Resource Finder to locate the support you need.

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Training and Support Programs for Small Businesses

Industry 4.0 Preparedness

MEDC and its partners have implemented a multi-pronged effort to support and encourage the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies by Michigan’s small- to medium-sized manufacturers. Evaluation, training and support can help Michigan manufacturers prepare for the future.

Second-Stage Growth Solutions

The SSGS program provides second-stage companies with the technical research assistance and business expertise they need to continue to grow profitably and be prepared for the future at no cost.

Technology-Related Technical Assistance

Optimize Main Street is a pilot program pairing technical assistance & grant dollars to advance technology utilization for small businesses located within Michigan Main Street Communities and a select number of Certified Redevelopment Ready Communities.

International Trade Services

Through a network of partners, businesses can learn to overcome barriers to exporting, identify new markets, access logistics consulting, utilize export legal services, leverage digital business tools, alleviate the challenges of foreign currencies and to strengthen their potential for market entry or expansion.

Support Local Campaign

MEDC launched the “Support Local” campaign to remind Michiganders of the importance of supporting local businesses during the holidays and throughout the winter season. Vibrant downtowns across the state are filled with local shops and restaurants specializing in décor, fashion, toys, hardware and much more.

Industry Connections for Small Businesses

Business Matchmaking Services

With access to a vast and diverse supplier network, PMBC connects Michigan suppliers of goods and services with local, domestic and global buyers based on demand and procurement needs. PMBC helps facilitate introductions to key industry and diverse business associations and strategic partners.

Export Support Services

MEDC's International Trade Program facilitates trade missions and international trade shows to create in-market networking opportunities. Additionally, in-state export events and foreign office matchmaking services connect companies to industry peers, including qualified buyers, partners and distributors.

Technology Business Incubators

Michigan's SmartZone network facilitates the commercialization of tech and tech-enabled ideas that come from the state's inventors, innovators and researchers. SmartZones offer businesses opportunities to build or expand their network with key community and industry stakeholders through mixers and other educational events and trainings.

Small Business Success Stories

Commemorating 20 Years of Michigan Celebrates Small Business

High 5 Salts Gets Product into Capital City Market

Redi-Rock International Moves From Zero Export Sales to Global

The Poke Bowl Brings Authentic Hawaiian-Inspired Cuisine to the City of Flint

Cherry Republic: Success with a Cherry on Top

Tenera Grains Transitions Family Farm into the Secret Sauce of Whole Food Granola

Nu-Wool: Balances Being Green and Innovative by Embracing Industry 4.0

Workforce Support for Small Businesses

Employee Training

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training should be short-term, fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.

Finding Talent

Michigan Works! Association is a statewide network of more than 100 service centers helping employers find skilled workers, retrain current workers and provide training and education.

Internships

Michigan STEAM Ahead is a statewide program that matches students attending Michigan colleges and universities with internship opportunities at the state’s leading innovative companies.

The Power of Michigan Business Support

Businesses of all sizes, including Blue Betty Coffee, have discovered the power of pure opportunity in Michigan. Through support from the MEDC and its partners, businesses can not only grow but thrive in their communities around the state.

Additional Resources for Small Businesses

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Whether you have a new venture or an existing small business, SBDC can support your business with no-cost consulting, training, market research and more.

SmartZones provide distinct geographical locations where technology-based companies, entrepreneurs and researchers can locate in close proximity to community assets that assist in their endeavors.

APEX Accelerators

Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators (formally PTACs) is made up of 10 different offices across the state dedicated to helping businesses understand and succeed in the government marketplace.

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Learn one of the key building blocks for starting a business – how to write a business plan

June 20 & 27 2024 | deadline to apply is 5 p.m. est, june 10, 2024.

Have you started writing a business plan but got stuck? Have you been told you need a business plan to start your business or obtain capital? Here is your chance to get that business plan created – the right way!

Michigan Women Forward has partnered with the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to present How to Write a Business Plan, a two-part business program for Detroit-area entrepreneurs and small business owners. Learn the essential ingredients of a business plan, including …

• Writing a company description, including your mission, vision and values
• Describing your product or services
• Performing market research to reveal the potential for your business and potential pitfalls
• Creating a competitive analysis of your target market
• Outlining your marketing tactics
• Creating a timeline of business goals and success metrics

Program Dates / Time / Location

• Program dates/time: 9:30 a.m.-Noon on Thursday, June 20 & 27, 2024. Program curriculum builds from the first session to the second, so attendance at both sessions is required.
• Location: The District Detroit Opportunity Center, Detroit

Hurry! Space is limited to 30 participants!

Questions? Contact Tanesia Greer, Business Development Manager, at  [email protected]  or 313-962-1920, ext. 204.

Presented in partnership with:

Grow Your Small Business

Take your business to the next level.

Existing businesses and later-stage startups receive expert assistance on critical strategic issues from the Greater Washtenaw region offices of the Michigan Small Business Development Center. ™ As part of a national support network, the SBDC at Washtenaw Community College can help you with free business counseling on a variety of topics including:

• Accessing capital
• Business plan development
• Export strategies
• Financial management
• Human resources
• Search engine optimization
• Strategic planning

Learn more at SBDCMichigan.org

Take the Next Step

Request more information, visit .

How to Write a Business Plan with Michigan SBDC

When and where, date and time, about this event.

Calling all entrepreneurs! Join Jacqueline Jones Love of the Michigan SBDC for their How To Write A Business Plan workshop. This workshop is designed for folks who are looking to write a new business plan or update an existing one. Session topics include: market analysis and sales planning, management and operations, and identifying financial goals and projections, and much more!

• business plan , Detroit Business Classes , entrepreneur , sbdc

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GOP Lawmakers Say the SBA's Voter Registration Efforts Are Illegal. The Agency Hasn't Even Started

The small business administration continues to face electioneering claims over its first-of-a-kind agreement to boost voter participation in michigan..

Is the Small Business Administration's recent foray into helping with voter registration efforts really so bad?

That question drew heated debate on Tuesday during a hearing examining the SBA's first-of-a-kind civic engagement memorandum with Michigan. The agreement aims to boost voter registration throughout Michigan--a key battleground state for President Joe Biden--with a proposal to offer voter registration booths at SBA events, plus directing the Michigan state department to build out a unique voter registration page, which the SBA would then promote.

The partisan divide was clear: Republican lawmakers said that Washington shouldn't be getting involved in elections, while Democratic lawmakers argued that it's a benefit to sign up as many voters as possible. 

"Congress has long sought to improve voter registration access, and has even involved federal agencies in this crucial national goal through a string of federal laws going back to 1955," said Lisa Danetz, an adviser at NYU School of Law's Brennan Center for Justice.

That's evident in the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), which mandates states to extend voter registration opportunities to make voter registration more accessible.

Danetz highlighted how the agreement between the SBA and Michigan is "validly nonpartisan," comparing the effort to the voter registration agencies on military installations and at armed forces recruiting centers. The Bush Veterans Health Administration in 2008 helped patients sign up to vote at residential facilities, as Danetz further pointed out. 

Still, Republicans argued that the memorandum is unconstitutional, chalking up the agreement to nothing more than electioneering. Stewart Whitson, the senior director of federal affairs at the Foundation for Government Accountability, was another witness who offered testimony and said that the SBA-Michigan agreement violated the Administrative Procedure Act, which bars federal agencies from acting beyond the scope that Congress designated for them. 

Other witnesses providing testimony included Elaine Parker, the president of the Job Creators Network Foundation, and, curiously, Indiana secretary of state Diego Morales. 

The state of Indiana is not involved in the agreement between the SBA and Michigan, but Morales, a Republican, vehemently opposed the MOU. If he was approached by the agency to sign a similar agreement, he said he would not do so. In his view, it should be the states that manage voter registration, as directed under the NVRA.

When Representative Hillary Scholten (D-Mich.) asked if Morales had any firsthand knowledge of the agreement between Michigan and the SBA, he replied, "I don't, but it's concerning to me."

In another instance, lawmakers including Representative Pete Stauber (R-Minn.) claimed that most of the SBA's events have transpired in the South of Michigan, which are "democratic strongholds." In other words, the agency is targeting blue-leaning jurisdictions within a battleground state to boost voter turnout and, thereby, Biden's chances in November. 

But the SBA says it's still in the implementation phase of the agreement and hasn't helped register a single voter yet.

"Along with several other federal agencies, the SBA is following the president's executive order to increase access to nonpartisan voter registration information as authorized by Congress in the National Voter Registration Act so that more Americans, including small-business owners, can exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard in our democracy," an SBA official tells Inc.

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The 7 Best Business Plan Examples (2024)

As an aspiring entrepreneur gearing up to start your own business , you likely know the importance of drafting a business plan. However, you might not be entirely sure where to begin or what specific details to include. That’s where examining business plan examples can be beneficial. Sample business plans serve as real-world templates to help you craft your own plan with confidence. They also provide insight into the key sections that make up a business plan, as well as demonstrate how to structure and present your ideas effectively.

Example business plan

To understand how to write a business plan, let’s study an example structured using a seven-part template. Here’s a quick overview of those parts:

• Executive summary: A quick overview of your business and the contents of your business plan.
• Company description: More info about your company, its goals and mission, and why you started it in the first place.
• Market analysis: Research about the market and industry your business will operate in, including a competitive analysis about the companies you’ll be up against.
• Products and services: A detailed description of what you’ll be selling to your customers.
• Marketing plan: A strategic outline of how you plan to market and promote your business before, during, and after your company launches into the market.
• Logistics and operations plan: An explanation of the systems, processes, and tools that are needed to run your business in the background.
• Financial plan: A map of your short-term (and even long-term) financial goals and the costs to run the business. If you’re looking for funding, this is the place to discuss your request and needs.

7 business plan examples (section by section)

In this section, you’ll find hypothetical and real-world examples of each aspect of a business plan to show you how the whole thing comes together. 

• Executive summary

Your executive summary offers a high-level overview of the rest of your business plan. You’ll want to include a brief description of your company, market research, competitor analysis, and financial information. 

In this free business plan template, the executive summary is three paragraphs and occupies nearly half the page:

• Company description

You might go more in-depth with your company description and include the following sections:

• Nature of the business. Mention the general category of business you fall under. Are you a manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer of your products?
• Background information. Talk about your past experiences and skills, and how you’ve combined them to fill in the market. 
• Business structure. This section outlines how you registered your company —as a corporation, sole proprietorship, LLC, or other business type.
• Industry. Which business sector do you operate in? The answer might be technology, merchandising, or another industry.
• Team. Whether you’re the sole full-time employee of your business or you have contractors to support your daily workflow, this is your chance to put them under the spotlight.

You can also repurpose your company description elsewhere, like on your About page, Instagram page, or other properties that ask for a boilerplate description of your business. Hair extensions brand Luxy Hair has a blurb on it’s About page that could easily be repurposed as a company description for its business plan. 

• Market analysis

Market analysis comprises research on product supply and demand, your target market, the competitive landscape, and industry trends. You might do a SWOT analysis to learn where you stand and identify market gaps that you could exploit to establish your footing. Here’s an example of a SWOT analysis for a hypothetical ecommerce business: 

You’ll also want to run a competitive analysis as part of the market analysis component of your business plan. This will show you who you’re up against and give you ideas on how to gain an edge over the competition. 

• Products and services

This part of your business plan describes your product or service, how it will be priced, and the ways it will compete against similar offerings in the market. Don’t go into too much detail here—a few lines are enough to introduce your item to the reader.

• Marketing plan

Potential investors will want to know how you’ll get the word out about your business. So it’s essential to build a marketing plan that highlights the promotion and customer acquisition strategies you’re planning to adopt. 

Most marketing plans focus on the four Ps: product, price, place, and promotion. However, it’s easier when you break it down by the different marketing channels . Mention how you intend to promote your business using blogs, email, social media, and word-of-mouth marketing. 

Here’s an example of a hypothetical marketing plan for a real estate website:

Logistics and operations

This section of your business plan provides information about your production, facilities, equipment, shipping and fulfillment, and inventory.

Financial plan

The financial plan (a.k.a. financial statement) offers a breakdown of your sales, revenue, expenses, profit, and other financial metrics. You’ll want to include all the numbers and concrete data to project your current and projected financial state.

In this business plan example, the financial statement for ecommerce brand Nature’s Candy includes forecasted revenue, expenses, and net profit in graphs.

It then goes deeper into the financials, citing:

• Funding needs
• Project cash-flow statement
• Project profit-and-loss statement
• Projected balance sheet

You can use Shopify’s financial plan template to create your own income statement, cash-flow statement, and balance sheet. 

Types of business plans (and what to write for each)

A one-page business plan is a pared down version of a standard business plan that’s easy for potential investors and partners to understand. You’ll want to include all of these sections, but make sure they’re abbreviated and summarized:

• Logistics and operations plan
• Financials 

A startup business plan is meant to secure outside funding for a new business. Typically, there’s a big focus on the financials, as well as other sections that help determine the viability of your business idea—market analysis, for example. Shopify has a great business plan template for startups that include all the below points:

• Market research: in depth
• Financials: in depth

Your internal business plan acts as the enforcer of your company’s vision. It reminds your team of the long-term objective and keeps them strategically aligned toward the same goal. Be sure to include:

• Market research

Feasibility 

A feasibility business plan is essentially a feasibility study that helps you evaluate whether your product or idea is worthy of a full business plan. Include the following sections:

A strategic (or growth) business plan lays out your long-term vision and goals. This means your predictions stretch further into the future, and you aim for greater growth and revenue. While crafting this document, you use all the parts of a usual business plan but add more to each one:

• Products and services: for launch and expansion
• Market analysis: detailed analysis
• Marketing plan: detailed strategy
• Logistics and operations plan: detailed plan
• Financials: detailed projections

Free business plan templates

Now that you’re familiar with what’s included and how to format a business plan, let’s go over a few templates you can fill out or draw inspiration from.

Bplans’ free business plan template

Bplans’ free business plan template focuses a lot on the financial side of running a business. It has many pages just for your financial plan and statements. Once you fill it out, you’ll see exactly where your business stands financially and what you need to do to keep it on track or make it better.

PandaDoc’s free business plan template

PandaDoc’s free business plan template is detailed and guides you through every section, so you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Filling it out, you’ll grasp the ins and outs of your business and how each part fits together. It’s also handy because it connects to PandaDoc’s e-signature for easy signing, ideal for businesses with partners or a board.

Miro’s Business Model Canvas Template

Miro’s Business Model Canvas Template helps you map out the essentials of your business, like partnerships, core activities, and what makes you different. It’s a collaborative tool for you and your team to learn how everything in your business is linked.

Better business planning equals better business outcomes

Building a business plan is key to establishing a clear direction and strategy for your venture. With a solid plan in hand, you’ll know what steps to take for achieving each of your business goals. Kickstart your business planning and set yourself up for success with a defined roadmap—utilizing the sample business plans above to inform your approach.

Business plan FAQ

What are the 3 main points of a business plan.

• Concept. Explain what your business does and the main idea behind it. This is where you tell people what you plan to achieve with your business.
• Contents. Explain what you’re selling or offering. Point out who you’re selling to and who else is selling something similar. This part concerns your products or services, who will buy them, and who you’re up against.
• Cash flow. Explain how money will move in and out of your business. Discuss the money you need to start and keep the business going, the costs of running your business, and how much money you expect to make.

How do I write a simple business plan?

To create a simple business plan, start with an executive summary that details your business vision and objectives. Follow this with a concise description of your company’s structure, your market analysis, and information about your products or services. Conclude your plan with financial projections that outline your expected revenue, expenses, and profitability.

What is the best format to write a business plan?

The optimal format for a business plan arranges your plan in a clear and structured way, helping potential investors get a quick grasp of what your business is about and what you aim to achieve. Always start with a summary of your plan and finish with the financial details or any extra information at the end.

Want to learn more?

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