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Organizations
(listed alphabetically)
Starting
and operating a business can be a difficult and complex process.
Prospective and current business owners are faced with many challenges such
as developing a business plan, obtaining financing, obtaining licenses and
permits, hiring employees, and many other issues.
Although business owners
face many challenges they are not alone. There are a number of
organizations that can provide assistance.
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Osceola Economic Alliance |
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The Osceola Economic
Alliance (OEA) is the county's community and economic development
organization. The OEA's mission is to "encourage and facilitate
community and economic development in Osceola County, Michigan".
The OEA's primary
customers are manufacturers, small businesses, and local units of government. You are already familiar
with the OEA's website; however, the OEA also provides business counseling and
referrals, research services, and
serves as
a central point of contact for small business questions.
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Contact:
Dan Massy, Community & Economic Developer
301 W. Upton
Reed City, MI 49677
(231) 832-7397 |
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Procurement Technical Assistance Centers |
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The mission of the
Procurement Technical
Assistance Centers of Michigan is to enhance national defense and
economic development within the State of Michigan by assisting Michigan
businesses in obtaining and performing on federal, state and local
government contracts; thus ensuring a broad base of capable suppliers
for the defense industry and other agencies.
There are 13 Procurement Technical Assistance Center
offices located throughout Michigan.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers offer marketing,
technical consulting and training to businesses in the state,
specifically:
●
Orientation to the Procurement System
● Linking Local Companies to Federal and State
Government Agencies
● Bid Match for Government
Solicitations
● Training Seminars and
Conferences
● Contracting
Opportunities
● Subcontracting
Opportunities
● Government Specifications
● Bid History and Contract Award Results
● Bid Package Assistance
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Contact:
Shelia Polacco
10765 Northland Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307
(231) 796-4484
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Michigan State University Product
Center |
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The MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural
Resources (ANR) can help you develop and commercialize high value,
consumer-responsive products and businesses in the agriculture and
natural food sectors. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur or an
established company, the Center is your key to the front door of MSU's
vast and varied technical expertise, research, outreach, and educational
services.
Visit the
Product Center's
website for information concerning their programs and services.
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Contact:
MSU Product Center
Venture Development Office
Michigan State University
101 Farrall Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1324
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Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE) |
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The
Service Corps of Retired Executives
(SCORE) is a nationwide non-profit association dedicated to
entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of small
businesses. SCORE serves as a resource partner with the
Small Business Administration (SBA).
Working and retired executives and business owners donate their time and
expertise as volunteer business counselors and provide confidential
counseling and mentoring free of charge. SCORE assists
approximately 300,000 entrepreneurs annually.
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Contact:
Big Rapids office
(231) 796-7649
Cadillac office
(231) 775-9776
Michigan SCORE District 515 office
(231) 893-3151 |
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Small Business & Technology Development
Centers |
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Michigan Small
Business & Technology Development Centers (MI-SBTDC) can be a tremendous asset
for small businesses. MI-SBTDCs are a statewide network
headquartered at Grand Valley State University that
provides quality counseling, training, and market research for a variety
of small businesses that are emerging and growing throughout Michigan:
new ventures, existing small businesses, expanding businesses, new
technology companies, and innovators.
Osceola County's
business community is served by the
Region 4 MI-SBTDC located
at the Mid Michigan Community College in Harrison. |
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Contact:
Anthony Fox, Regional Director
Nancy Benaske, Certified Business Consultant
Mid-Michigan Community
College
1375 S. Clare Ave.
Harrison, MI 48625
(989) 802-6630 |
Osceola Economic Alliance
301 W. Upton ● Reed City, MI 49677
Phone: 231-832-7397 ● Fax: 231-832-3381
Email the OEA
August 21, 2008
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