Small Business Resource Hub

100k Ideas

Housed in Flint, Michigan, 100k Ideas is a non-profit with a mission to relieve the innovator of the entrepreneurial burden. We know entrepreneurship can be difficult, and that's why we're here to help. As a community of student professionals, lead by a dynamic leadership team, we vet entrepreneurial ideas to provide a helping hand in business development to anyone regardless of their prior experience or background.

Communities First, Inc.

The mission of Communities First, Inc. is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. 

Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce

At the Flint & Genesee Group, we know the greatness of a place isn’t measured by population density or geographic size, but rather, it’s determined by the opportunities provided for our residents and visitors alike. As such, the Group aims to strengthen the local economy and create a place where people thrive, and businesses invest and grow. Our team works to accomplish this through targeted programs and services and strong partnerships.

Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

The Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance is invested in your success, ready to connect you to the resources, partnerships, and incentives your business needs to thrive. From launching startups to expanding global operations, our dedicated team will work with you every step of the way toward your reaching your goals. When you’re ready to grow your business, the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance is ready to support you.

Oak Business Center

Conveniently located just north of downtown Flint, the Oak Business Center provides high quality space for companies to conduct business. It accommodates more than a dozen offices, two conference rooms, kitchen, and work center. Our Mission: To create jobs by helping entrepreneurs and small businesses access resources they need for growth and long term success. 

SCORE - Ann Arbor Area

SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. We aim to give every person the support they need to thrive as a small business owner. Our core values provide the most ethical, unified approach to achieving our goals in a way that contributes to our greater cause.

Please note that while librarians can help direct you to resources, they are unable to answer specific business, tax, or legal questions, and cannot give advice due to liability. 

Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

LARA is Michigan's department of professional licensure; apply for or renew licenses, verify commercial business licenses, and much more.

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)

The Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.

Michigan Grant Watch

Michigan Grant Watch is a leading online resource for grants for nonprofits, government agencies, municipalities, foundations, corporations, small businesses, and individuals. 

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.

Michigan Online Business Registration

The Michigan Department of Treasury offers an Online New Business Registration process. This process is easy, fast, secure and convenient. This e-Registration process is much faster than registering by mail. After completing this online application, you will receive a confirmation number of your electronic submission. You can receive your new Sales Tax License in as little as 7 business days! Employers who are acquiring/purchasing a business may also register on-line.

Michigan Small Business Administration

Our office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed.

Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Michigan SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies. The Michigan SBDC is committed to fostering and sustaining a culture of inclusion through equitable outreach and service to Michigan’s diverse business community.

Michigan Woman and Minority-Owned Business

Michigan Woman and Minority-Owned Business provides a place to find online or local women or minority business to shop at, browse business resources, or list your business in our directory for free!

Michigan Women Forward

MWF is a certified community development financial institution (CDFI) whose mission is to expand economic opportunity for women and entrepreneurs of color, empower the next generation, and celebrate and honor the accomplishments of Michigan women.

U.S. Grants - Michigan Small Business Grants

The Small Business Administration (SBA) oversees SBA Grants and has worked together with public and private funding agencies and organizations to offer grants focused on scientific research and development (R&D), technology innovation, and job creation.

Please note that while librarians can help direct you to resources, they are unable to answer specific business, tax, or legal questions, and cannot give advice due to liability. 

Grow with Google

Grow with Google provides training, tools, and resources to help you grow your skills, career, or business.

Library of Congress: Research Guide for Entrepreneurs

A virtual space through the Library of Congress with strategies for researching the steps of starting, growing, and closing a small business. Use the Hub to find recommended resources or schedule a time to talk with a business librarian.

U.S. Grants

Welcome to U.S. Grants - your one-stop portal to find and apply for government grants, stimulus packages, and funding opportunities from your local state and federal government agencies.

U.S. Small Business Administration

SBA works to ignite change and spark action so small businesses can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.

WomensNet

WomensNet was created decades ago to help women achieve their business dreams. We offer free tips on how to get a grant, our own monthly grant, and we promote encouraging stories of woman entrepreneurs just like you. 

Please note that while librarians can help direct you to resources, they are unable to answer specific business, tax, or legal questions, and cannot give advice due to liability. 

The Gloria Coles Flint Public Library has a myriad of business and legal resources, including books on:

• Accounting
• Business Ethics
• Fundraising and Crowdfunding
• Human Resources
• Legal Guides (employee rights, contracts, patents, etc.)
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Social Media and Website Management
• Skill-Building (technical, soft, fine arts, etc.)
• And much more!

We also have several eResource collections of databases and websites, which you can find below:

eResource Library: Business

eResource Library: Job & Career

eResource Library: Legal

Please note that while librarians can help direct you to resources, they are unable to answer specific business, tax, or legal questions, and are unable to give advice due to liability.