Make It Your Business is a newsletter from the New Economy Initiative highlighting resources and opportunities for southeast Michigan business support organizations (BSOs). Look for new editions in your inbox on the second and fourth Monday of each month. 

To the BSOs and entrepreneurs navigating this difficult time, we are here to serve you and stand as a resource. This section contains relevant resources for BSOs and those who fund entrepreneurship, some being applicable to small businesses.
 

Inspiration

From Model D, Detroit Innovation Fellows Series:

• Model D is running a series on social entrepreneurs that are fellows of the last cohort of NEI’s Detroit Innovation Fellowship (DIF), a talent development program that connects, promotes, and invests in people who are leading projects to transform their communities. Read the latest story on Gary Ringer, a Detroit firefighter, deconstruction company entrepreneur, and health equity leader, and check out the other features here. 

From In Good Co. Detroit, Brazelton's Floral:

• Born into the flower business, Alice Brazelton-Pittman is a veteran Detroit Black entrepreneur and owner of a legacy. Read her story captured by Serena Maria Daniels and listen to her podcast episode hosted by Shannon Cason. 

Information

From Ask Jennyfer and All Things Detroit:

• All Things Marketplace is a local e-commerce platform dedicated to connecting small businesses to their customers. 

From The Bridgespan Group:

• Nonprofit Innovation for a Post-Crisis Future

From Detroit Means Business:

• Detroit Issues COVID-19 Public Health Order

• Governor Issues Updated Emergency Order with New Restrictions for a 3-week Pause

From EntryPoint:

• 2020 Midwest Shop Local Gift Guide, an innovative resource to shop small and local this holiday season. 

From Michigan Community Resources:

• Collaborations: Legal Considerations for Nonprofits Considering Collaboration, Alliances, Joint Ventures, and Mergers

From the Neighborhood Business Initiative:

• Get Your Small Business Holiday-Ready: Tips & Resources for Success webinar recording

• Get Your Small Business Holiday-Ready:Tips & Resources for Success Resource Guide

From SBAM:

• The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) is providing federal CARES Act funds to help qualifying small businesses expand their capacity by adding weatherized, temporary outdoor facilities. The application for these weatherization grants opened last Wednesday, November 18, and will be awarded to eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis, so applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Visit the SBAM website for more information and to apply. 

From SBDC Michigan:

• PPP Loan Forgiveness Application

• Borrowers: Applying for PPP Forgiveness

• Lenders: PPP Forgiveness Procedural Notice

This section spotlights offerings and accomplishments of a few of the many organizations that support small businesses in our entrepreneurial ecosystem. If you have suggestions, please submit them to neicommunications@cfsem.org.

Business support organizations are hiring

This edition of the newsletter, we’re highlighting organizations in the network of support that have open job positions, which were gathered on 11/17/2020. 

Jefferson East, Inc. / East Jefferson Development Corporation:

• Real Estate Development Manager / Director of Real Estate

Fair Food Network:

• Investment Analyst

• Business Assistance Manager

Invest Detroit:

• Senior Loan Officer

• Program Manager, Small Business Legal Services

• Program Manager, Nonprofit Legal Services

• Marketing and Communications Intern

• Operations & Programs Director

Highlights

Small Business Saturday is November 28. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on our economy, it’s more important than ever to shop local for all of your seasonal needs.

Giving Tuesday is December 1. Join the movement and give, whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community.  

Building the Engine of Community Development in Detroit is hosting their virtual 2020 Annual Summit on Wednesday, December 2, 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, December 3, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the RSVP deadline is tomorrow, November 24.

Regular Offerings

We recognize how irreplaceable personable help and resource sharing can be in this time. For nonprofits, check out Co.act Detroit for their thoughtful events and programming. 
 

TechTown Detroit has been offering free consultations for entrepreneurs and small businesses, with members of their team using digital platforms. Schedule an appointment to be supplied with a link to join the meeting using video conferencing: Open Office Hours and Ask An Expert. 
 

SCORE has been hosting free, LIVE webinars every week on small business tips and strategies. See their upcoming offerings on their website.
 

The Michigan SBDC has been hosting informational webinars. Watch past recordings and register for upcoming small business support webinars. 
 

The University of Michigan's "Free Accounting Fridays" program is available to help you with accounting/finance concerns (profit and loss statements, cash flow analysis, balance sheets, etc.) and consult on the various loan/grant opportunities related to COVID-19 and help prepare applications. You can make appointments here.

What we’re reading

We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice | adrienne maree brown

The Cactus League | Emily Nemens

Chris Nikic, You Are an Ironman. And Your Journey Is Remarkable. | The New York Times

For books above and for all of your reading needs, please remember to support your local bookstore. The ones closest in proximity to us are Source Booksellers, Pages Bookshop, and Book Suey (which can be supported at Bookshop.org).

What we’re watching

Borgen | TV series streaming on Netflix

The Trial of the Chicago 7 | film streaming on Netflix