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South Haven Regional Business Hub

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Growth Bridge

Free 1-on-1 Small Business Support in South Haven, MI

One Business Challenge. 25 Minutes. Expert Guidance.

Growth Bridge provides free 25-minute expert sessions for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Southwest Michigan. Get direct, personalized help on a specific operational, financial, or strategic challenge from a specialized Subject Matter Expert.

Open to all local business owners—no previous Hub enrollment required.
Bring a question, challenge, or idea. Leave with practical guidance, useful resources, and clear next steps.

Browse and select the session that’s right for you!

Program Details

  • When: October 27, November 10 and December 15
  • Where: Lake Michigan College – South Haven Campus (125 Veterans Blvd, South Haven, MI 49090)
  • Format: Scheduled 25-minute appointments; 1-on-1 sessions with Subject Matter Experts between 5 & 7 p.m.
  • Cost: Free (Pre-registration required)

How Growth Bridge: Ask an Expert Works

Each date will focus on a specific business topic and feature Subject Matter Experts with relevant professional experience. For example, one session may focus on understanding your business finances, while another may help you strengthen your marketing.
 
Review the upcoming topics, select the session that matches your needs and register for an available 25-minute appointment.
 
During your meeting, you can:
 
  • Ask questions specific to that session’s area of expertise.
  • Work through a current business challenge.
  • Get feedback on a plan, document or decision.
  • Identify tools and resources that can help.
  • Leave with practical next steps for your business.

Who Should Participate?

Growth Bridge is open to all small business owners, independent operators, and aspiring entrepreneurs in Southwest Michigan

Book an appointment if you:

  • Need specialized feedback on a financial, marketing, or operational question.
  • Want an expert second opinion before making a significant business decision.
  • Need assistance understanding a business document, software, or workflow.
  • Are seeking immediate business support without committing to a multi-week course.
  • Have completed prior Hub programs and need targeted follow-up technical assistance.
 
If you are not currently a Hub client, you will be asked to complete a brief intake form when you arrive for your appointment.
View Upcoming Topics and Schedule an Appointment

What You Will Gain

  • Unbiased Sounding Board: Talk through operational or marketing challenges with an experienced Subject Matter Expert outside your daily business.
  • Clear Direction: Identify practical next steps to resolve current bottlenecks and keep your business moving forward.
  • 1-on-1 Expert Access: Ask questions and discuss strategic ideas directly with local business specialists.
  • Strategy Validation: Test new concepts and evaluate your plans before committing major time or financial resources.

Areas of Technical Assistance

Growth Bridge sessions rotate through key business disciplines throughout the year, including:
 
  • Finance & Cash Flow: Bookkeeping, pricing strategy, capital readiness, and financial forecasting.
  • Marketing & Customer Acquisition: Local branding, social media strategy, and off-season business retention.
  • Operations & Technology: Business systems, legal considerations, human resources, and business planning.

Ready to Move Your Business Forward?

Find an upcoming topic that fits your current operational needs and secure your 25-minute slot with a Subject Matter Expert.
View Upcoming Topics and Schedule an Appointment

October 27 – Accounting and Bookkeeping, Sara Burks & Michele Coy

  • Decode financial statements and eliminate blind spots.
  • Build clear, decision-focused charts of accounts.
  • Create realistic budgets, projections, and cash flow.

November 10 – Branding, Marketing and Social Media, Heather Schaefer & Korey Force

  • Align your brand, marketing, and revenue goals.
  • Build a practical content and digital strategy that supports business growth.
  • Determine where to focus limited marketing time and resources.

December 15 – Financials and cash flow, Sara Burks & Michele Coy

  • Prepare cash flow projections and three-year financial forecasts.
  • Use your financial statements to make stronger business decisions.
  • Handle tax planning, preparation, and filing.
 

If you are not a current client of the Hub, or don’t know if you are a client, please Complete the Hub Client Intake form here or you may complete it at your appointment.

Compliance & Nondiscrimination

All South Haven Regional Business Hub programs or co-sponsored events are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arrangements for persons with disabilities are made when requested two weeks in advance.

Disclaimer

Growth Bridge sessions offer high-level guidance to help explore possibilities and clarify your next steps. We encourage you to consult qualified advisors for formal legal, financial, or accounting execution.