If you are looking to start or expand a business in Michigan, or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there are a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.

While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a wide range of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as solutions live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these places:

1. State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
3. Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
4. Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start with Michigan's Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation offers an array of economic development tools to new, expanding or relocating businesses at its one-stop service.

I recommend: Download their Starting a Small Business Guide, with helpful information from a variety of state agencies. The site also features links to several sites offering help for registering your business, obtaining permits and licenses, and getting information about business taxes, insurance requirements and pertinent laws and regulations.

Discover Michigan's Development Center

Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center provides a full range of services, including counseling and training, for small and growing companies throughout Michigan. The agency is headquartered in Grand Rapids and has 12 regional offices and more than 30 satellite centers across the state's 83 counties.

I recommend: Check out the resources offered by the MI-SBTDC.

Go to Michigan's top university for help

The University of Michigan Documents Center has compiled an extensive list of resources available to start-up small businesses. It's not exhaustive, but it is helpful and clearly presented.

I recommend: Get an at-a-glance list of resources at the university library's Documents Center.

Check out Michigan's Small Business Association

Michigan's Small Business Association promotes free enterprise and lobbies on behalf of small businesses on issues ranging from taxation to health insurance reform to telecommunications deregulation.

I recommend: Check in with a friend of business at SBAM, which also offers information about creating business plans, getting loans and other critical topics.

Get site-specific advice from Michigan's many chambers of commerce

If you're thinking about relocating your small business in Michigan, talk to people who live, work and play in your potential area by contacting the local chamber of commerce.

I recommend: Consult the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Find some answers to your questions

Answers, not more information, says the Business Utility Zone Gateway, is what you'll find at their Web site, which offers detailed lists of resources helpful to the small business owner or anyone considering opening a small business in the state.

I recommend: See what's available at Buzgate, including a list of all the chambers of commerce in the state.

Consult with Uncle Sam about running a small business in Michigan

The U.S. Small Business Administration has a full range of services available in Michigan, including tips about business loans and grants.

I recommend: It offers a downloadable Michigan Small Business Sourcebook, as well as a list of services in Michigan.

Get advice from seasoned executives

SCORE, the non-profit association of retired business executives, offers both face-to-face and email business counseling.

I recommend: Consult SCORE for executives willing to advise you on your small business.

List your business on a statewide directory

The Michigan Business Directory, which offers resources and directory listings for Michigan businesses, allows you to add your listings on their site for free.

I recommend: Sign up for listings and explore the offerings of the directory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
• •  Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
• •  Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
• •  The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
• •  Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.