Live Workshops and Tools
Startup Series 2023
Making the South Haven Region a place where entrepreneurs want to start and grow.
Combining collective knowledge, connections and resources of the community, creating initiatives and partnerships for ALL our local entrepreneurs.
About the South Haven Region Business Hub
The goals of the South Haven Region Business Hub are to increase equitable opportunities for ALL entrepreneurs, but primarily work to eliminate racial disparities in business revenues and empower entrepreneurs to create long-lasting businesses that generate wealth.Who Should Attend?
- Anyone who wants to start a business, early startup businesses.
- Must live or have a business in Van Buren County
- Outcomes: Business Model Canvas completed
Tuesday, September 20 Simple Steps to start Your Business
Lake Michigan College, South Haven location, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Learn what it takes to start a business and how to take the next steps in the journey.
During this session you will:
- Learn what it takes to start a business
- Learn how to begin the process of starting a business Understand the basics of writing a business plan
Debi Howe started her company building computer-based models for healthcare organizations with seven employees and grew it to 400 in 12 years, then sold it. She has walked in an entrepreneur’s shoes and understands the fundamentals of running a business and the emotional challenges.
Thursday, October 13 Small Business Roundtable #1
Join local small business owners to discuss the wins (and challenges) of owning a small business. A place to share views, be heard, and propose solutions.
During this session you will:
- Share your successes with the group
- Learn how to overcome obstacles from others
- Make an impact with your input
- Share and minimize your challenges
Moderator Debi Howe started her company building computer-based models for healthcare organizations with seven employees and grew it to 400 in 12 years, then sold it. She has walked in an entrepreneur’s shoes and understands the fundamentals of running a business and the emotional challenges.
Tuesday, October 18 Business Model Canvas Is Your Business a Go or a No-Go?
This workshop will provide you with a tool to draft a roadmap for your business.
During this session you will:
- Learn the different elements of developing your own business plan
- Learn how to grow your business by recognizing the key areas for improvement
- Learn how to create a one page business overview to help guide your business
Steven Cummings is the managing partner at SPC Consulting. He has a wealth of experience leading three different companies ranging in size from $3M to $50M. His no-nonsense approach to devising a business plan makes it simple even for the novice.
Tuesday, November 8 Attract, Retain & Train Employees
How to find and keep talented employees in a tough job market!
During this session you will discover how to:
- Build an action plan based on your strengths as an employer
- Explore compensation and benefits strengths and weaknesses
- Maximize other offerings to prospective employers
Michael T Neiss is President of Michael T Neiss and Associates. For over 35 years, Mike has been helping clients worldwide build the culture and systems necessary to attract and retain the best talent.
Tuesday, November 15 Accounting Basics For your Business
To provide business owners basic accounting knowledge to start up or run a business.
During this session you will learn:
- How to set up a chart of accounts
- How to develop a simple income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement
- How to review the basics of a financial statement
Julie Payovich is a Fractional CFO who helps business owners with sound financial management, insights, tools, and proactive financial strategies so businesses and organizations can improve internal cash flow, reduce business risk and increase the value and efficiency of their business or organization.
Tuesday, January 10 Meet the Funders!
Lake Michigan College, South Haven location, from 6 to 8 p.m.
This workshop is designed to introduce area small business owners to representatives from a variety of business banking institutions in the SH /Lakeshore area.
During this session you will:
- Meet area funders in the SH/Lakeshore region.
- Understand key documents needed for funding.
- Identify nontraditional funding options.
Presenters:
- Maria Graziani, Outreach and Innovation Specialist, Center for Regional Food Systems, Michigan State University
- Scott Petersen, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Harvest Small Business Finance
- Ana Jose, Director of Business Development, Michigan Women Forward
- Stephanie Timmer, Senior Vice President at Sturgis Bank & Trust Company, South Haven
- Venard Robison Commercial Lender, Northern Initiatives
- Debi Howe, Moderator
Wednesday, February 15 Peer-to-Peer Community Wide Business Roundtable
ThinkBar Coworking & Events from 4-6 p.m.
Join local small business owners to discuss the wins (and challenges) of owning a small business.
A place to share views, be heard, and propose solutions. During this session you will:
- Share your successes with the group
- Learn how to overcome obstacles from others
- Make an impact with your input
- Share and minimize your challenges
Moderator Debi Howe started her company building computer-based models for healthcare organizations with seven employees and grew it to 400 in 12 years, then sold it. She has walked in an entrepreneur’s shoes and understands the fundamentals of running a business and the emotional challenges.
Sponsored by Sturgis Bank & Trust.
Sponsored by the City of South Haven, South Haven Chamber of Commerce, Greater Kalamazoo Business Resources Network, and Lake Michigan College.