Start Your Business

Starting a business can be a complex and difficult process. It takes persistence and diligence, along with investment of time and capital. Careful planning is fundamental to success. The Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation provides new businesses and entrepreneurs a wide range of products and services that can aid and accelerate the process of getting your business started.
For more information, please contact the Traverse Bay EDC.	Looking for Money?

A key activity of the Traverse Bay EDC is helping new businesses and entrepreneurs. Below are links to products and services that can aid your entry into the small business world.

	Join Your Chamber The Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce is a great start to launching your new business. Your Chamber offers a variety of programs and services that help you learn, network, and take advantage of product and service discounts within the local community and region. Click here to join now!
	SCORE Located in the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Traverse City SCORE Chapter provides FREE one-on-one assistance for small businesses. Their experience and knowledge can be indispensable to budding entrepreneurs, as well as businesses experiencing growing pains. Click here to learn more and schedule an appointment with a SCORE counselor. Check out the SCORE Business Builder Series! These learning seminars provide you with the information on a wide variety of business topics. Click here to find out what seminars are coming up!
	Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center The MI-SBTDC positively impacts our region's economy by strengthening existing companies, creating and retaining jobs, and assisting businesses in defining their path to success. Counseling services are available at the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, the MI-SBDTC offices located at Michigan Works! center, or on-site at your business. Click here to learn more, obtain a business planning guide, and schedule an appointment with a counselor in your area. Check out UpNorth Business! A great source of northwestern Michigan regional business information to help you get your business started now!
	Northwestern Michigan College Get practical and ready-to-use skills to start your own business with a collection of courses and workshops designed to help you be successful. NMC Extended Education offers a Small Business Entrepreneur cirriculum and certificate that highlights the essential skills in the core areas of business start-up, finance management, customer service, and marketing. Click here to see what classes are being offered.
	Michigan Business One Stop The Michigan Business One Stop is an online resource center where you will find an array of resources and tools to help you start and operate a business in Michigan. From tips on writing a business plan to financing your business, this resource site has it. Click here to learn more.
	Financing Programs The Traverse Bay Economic Development Corporation provides and facilitates financing opportunties to businesses within the region. These programs seek to create, attract, and retain jobs and employers that are indicative to the region's strive for excellence. Click here to learn more about local, state, and federal financing opportunities to help start your business.
	NorthSky Nonprofit Network Think your new business may be a nonprofit? The NorthSky Nonprofit Network assists northern Michigan nonprofit organizations in strengthening their capabilities. They provide a wide range of services and resources to help nonprofit organizations deliver programs effectively and effeciently. Click here to learn more.