Business Resources

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) – PTAC is a free business resource to assist with socioeconomic certification as well as how to do business with the government.

Consumers Energy Business Solutions – Energy consultation from the team at Consumers Energy.

Grand Haven Board of Light & Power – Energy consultation from the team at Board of Light and Power.

SCORE – This is a program that offers free business mentoring, low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools to help you start or grow a business.

Surge powered by Lakeshore Advantage – Located in Holland, Surge provides startups with the tools and resources they need to launch and commercialize successful companies.

Lakeshore Fab Lab at Muskegon Community College’s Sturrus Center – Open to the public on a membership basis, the Lakeshore Fab Lab has high technology equipment with knowledgeable staff and volunteers.  The result is a community resource relevant and available to entrepreneurs, makers, families, school classes, clubs small and large businesses.

Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) – PMBC is a program through the State of Michigan that connects Michigan businesses in doing business with each other.

Small Business Administration (SBA) – The SBA has tools to help you plan your business, launch your business, manage your business and grow your business.  The Grand Rapids district office serves Ottawa County.

Michigan’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Free consulting services for small business owners in Michigan that provides training, events, and one-on-one business consulting.  The SBDC can help those who want to start a business, those who want to grow a business, and those who want to sell a business.  The SBDC is hosted by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Michigan’s SBDC Business Plan  – Free Outline to help you write a Business Plan.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) – MMTC offers consulting services to West Michigan manufacturers.  They offer assessments (no-cost), customized tools & services, collaborative user-groups and expert-led industry events.

West Michigan Food Processing Association FARM –  A product development incubator serving as an incubator kitchen for startups and growing businesses.

Workforce Development

Careerline Tech Center –  For high school students, programs for area schools in a wide array of future careers.

MCC’s Sturrus Technology Center – Manufacturing workforce development training for Applied Technologies, Experiential Learning, and Entrepreneur Institutes.  Programs include CAD, Electronics/Automation, Engineering, Machining, Materials, and Welding.

Thompson M-TEC – For adults taking the next step in their career to learn new skills.

West Michigan Works! (for Employers) – West Michigan Works! helps employers with access to recruiting, training & retention, hiring events, and regional initiatives to address talent, curriculum and advocacy issues.

West Michigan Works! (for Job Seekers) – West Michigan Works! helps job seekers find the first step toward a new job or career, explores careers, finds training opportunities.