Small Business. Big Success: Strategies and Techniques to Grow a Business
2024-09-16 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit)
This course will explore how smaller entities can ramp up to do “big business” by understanding their strengths and the buyer’s perspective. Many strategies and techniques that work for large entities are counterproductive for smaller ones. This course will offer a roadmap to create an organization that is efficient, creative, and entrepreneurial.

This course will be held virtually in two half-day sessions on September 9 and September 16, from 8:00am to 12:00pm. The course minimum is 15 people, and the capacity is limited to 25 people.

Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.

The Small Business Briefing
2024-09-16 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-09-23 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-09-30 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-07 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-14 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-21 15:00 - 15:30, 2024-10-28 15:00 - 15:30
The Small Business Briefing airs Mondays at 3pm ET. Watch to get the latest news from SBAM’s Brian Calley and Sarah Miller, along with special guests!

Watch live on Facebook or register to watch via Zoom.
Check out past episodes!

Oakland Region Owner2Owner Event
2024-09-18 16:00 - 18:00 | Alley Cat Cafe, 31 N Saginaw St, Pontiac, MI, 48342, United States
Please join us September 18, 2024 at the Alley Cat Café, downtown Pontiac, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for an SBAM Owner2Owner (O2O) event!
These O2O Regional Events are for small business owners only. They allow small business owners to build a sense of community in their region and gather together with other small business owners. Each regional meeting will feature components of education, small business advocacy awareness and networking. You do not have to be a member of SBAM to attend this meeting.

Regional Sponsors

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

MEDC

Host Sponsor:

Cynerge Consulting

Legal Webinar Series: Protecting Your Small Business
2024-09-19 10:00 - 11:00
Join the experts at Mavacy Law Firm as we discuss how to protect your business through the use of contractual agreements. Attorney Karolina Powalka will explain some of the ways you can use contracts to develop relationships with your employees, vendors, and customers, mitigate risk, and save on expensive legal fees when disputes arise.
This is the second in a series of four monthly webinars presented by the Mavacy team. Future webinars will cover succession planning, and intellectual property.

HR Roundtable Discussion Series
2024-09-25 09:00 - 10:00
The HR Roundtable is a collaborative forum where HR professionals gather virtually to share insights, best practices, and challenges related to managing an organization’s workforce. In this interactive setting, participants engage in open dialogue, exchanging ideas on talent acquisition, compliance, performance management, and other HR-related topics. The roundtable format encourages networking and the exchange of diverse perspectives, fostering a dynamic environment for learning and innovation in the ever-evolving field of human resources.
Employee Development
Learn how to promote a culture of continuous learning to leverage the most out of your employees. Peers will discuss how to identify high-potential employees and the benefits of training including cross-training and closing skills gaps. The group will share best practices on employee professional development strategies and how to develop a growth plan for all your employees.
Employee Recruitment and Retention Strategies
Peers will discuss recruiting strategies and best practices for attracting top talent. Discussion topics may include marketing a positive company culture, challenges in retaining talent, and evaluating your candidate experience.
AI in HR
Learn how we can use it and what we need to be cautious of and avoid. Participants will discuss what AI tools they are using and can share success stories and best practices for AI company policies and ways it has streamlined efficiency.
Facilitated by our partner, American Society of Employers, six meetings are scheduled every eight weeks and will be held from 9 am until 10 am.
HR Roundtable Meeting Schedule:
Wednesday, June 5th
Tuesday, July 30th
Wednesday, September 25th
Tuesday, November 19th
Wednesday, January 15th
Wednesday, March 19th

Upper Peninsula/Houghton Region Owner2Owner Event
2024-09-25 16:00 - 18:00 | The Observatory Lounge, 820 Shelden Ave, Houghton, 49931, United States
Please join us September 25, 2024 at The Observatory Lounge, 7th Floor of Houghton’s Hampton Inn & Suites, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for an SBAM Owner2Owner (O2O) event!
These O2O Regional Events are for small business owners only. They allow small business owners to build a sense of community in their region and gather together with other small business owners. Each regional meeting will feature components of education, small business advocacy awareness and networking. You do not have to be a member of SBAM to attend this meeting.

Regional Sponsors

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

MEDC

Wake Up Keweenaw
2024-09-26 07:00 - 08:30
SBAM President & CEO Brian Calley will be the special guest at Wake Up Keweenaw Breakfast Speaker Series!
Doors open at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast, with the program running from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at the Bonfire Banquet Room | Houghton
RSVP to reserve your seat – info@keweenaw.org

Keweenaw Bay and Beyond Lunch & Learn with SBAM
2024-09-26 11:30 - 13:00
Brian Calley, President & CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, will be at the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce to discuss how SBAM can assist the businesses in Baraga County.
This event will take place in the Chamber Board room from 11:30am to 1:00pm, come for as long or as short amount of time as you have available. Lunch will be provided.
Please contact the Chamber with any questions or if you would like to host a session. 906-353-8808 or baragachamberoffice@gmail.com

Walsh Leadership Academy (WLA): Empathetic Leadership
2024-09-26 15:00 - 18:00 | Walsh College, 3838 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI, 48083, United States
Unleash the leader within you! Walsh Leadership Academy is offered monthly for businesses looking to build skills on their team in leadership, so they can build an empowered team as they grow. In this session you will learn the important role that empathy plays in leadership.

This series will be held in-person at Walsh College (3838 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083) every month from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The course minimum is 5 people, and the capacity is limited to 30 people.

Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.

Upper Peninsula/Marquette Region Owner2Owner Event
2024-09-26 16:00 - 18:00 | The Honorable Distillery, 136 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Please join us September 26, 2024 at The Honorable Distillery, downtown Marquette, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for an SBAM Owner2Owner (O2O) event!
These O2O Regional Events are for small business owners only. They allow small business owners to build a sense of community in their region and gather together with other small business owners. Each regional meeting will feature components of education, small business advocacy awareness and networking. You do not have to be a member of SBAM to attend this meeting.

Regional Sponsors

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

MEDC

Lake Superior Community Partnership & SBAM Lunch and Learn
2024-09-27 12:00 - 13:30
In partnership with the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP) the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) will be holding membership-based Lunch and Learn.
Location:
The Northern Michigan University Classroom, located in the Collaborative Economic Development Space ​on the second floor of 101 W. Washington Street in Marquette.
This is an LSCP member exclusive event.
From 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., join us for lunch and listen to an update from Brian Calley. From 1:00 – 1:30 p.m., enjoy networking and debriefing the Lunch and Learn discussion.
Brian Calley is the President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. Brian will discuss the current small business climate in Michigan, advocacy efforts in Lansing and how the Strategic Partnership between the Small Business Association of Michigan and the Lake Superior Community Partnership aligns with each other to make communities stronger and more vibrant for those that choose to call Michigan home.
Learn More

Traverse Connect Leadership Roundtables (Dates & Location TBD in Traverse City)
2024-10-01
Leadership Roundtables bring together groups of 8 to 12 key decision-makers from the Grand Traverse region’s small businesses. These decision-makers will meet 10 times over the course of a year for collaborative, growth-oriented roundtable sessions in which leaders can explore business and personal matters with guidance of experienced facilitators.

This ten-session series will be held in-person in the Traverse City area. The course minimum is 8 people, and the capacity is limited to 12 people.
Please note: Monthly meetings to be set on an agreed-upon date and time by the participants of each roundtable. The location will be based on the capacity and needs of the Roundtable participants.
Leadership Roundtables is a year-long program that offers 10 collaborative, growth-oriented roundtable sessions in small groups of 8-12 individuals.

Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.

Networking Event: Healthcare Innovation Pitch
2024-10-01 17:00 - 20:00 | Walsh College, 3838 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI, 48083, United States
The Michigan Healthcare Innovation Pitch will connect established healthcare and biotech small businesses to healthcare innovators. Innovative healthcare and HealthTech startups will present their innovations, which are potential in-licensing or M&A opportunities for Michigan small businesses in the biotech and healthcare verticals.

This pitch and networking event will be held in-person at Walsh College (3838 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083) on October 1, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, as part of preparation for Renaissance Ventures’ UnDemo Day. The networking event and program minimum is 10 people, and the capacity is limited to 120 people. Businesses in the healthcare vertical can learn of smaller businesses innovating in drugs, diagnostics, devises and software, as potential partners as well as in-licensing or acquisition target.

Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.

Basic HR for the Small Business Owner
2024-10-02 11:00 - 13:00
We’ll review what every small business owner should know about HR from a compliance and operational perspective as well as some best practices to apply immediately to their business.

This course will be held virtually on September 4 and October 2, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. The course minimum is 3 people and is limited to 6 people.

Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.

Leadership Roundtable Discussion Series
2024-10-08 09:00 - 10:00
THE LEADERSHIP ROUNDTABLE SERIES AVAILABLE SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED. PLEASE REGISTER TO JOIN THE WAITLIST.
The Leadership Development Roundtable is a dynamic and collaborative group dedicated to exploring innovative approaches and best practices in cultivating effective leaders. This forum serves as a nexus for sharing insights and strategies on nurturing leadership qualities. From identifying emerging talents and methods of coaching to fostering a culture that nurtures continuous growth, this roundtable creates a supportive environment where participants collectively contribute to shaping the future of leadership within their organizations and beyond.
Adaptive Leadership
An adaptive leadership style is crucial to navigate diverse situations and be more effective. Peers will discuss ways leaders show up in diverse and dynamic environments and can comment on flexibility and different leadership styles and approaches including how to utilize multiple styles to become a more resilient leader.
Effective Communication Skills
Peers will discuss ways to foster open, clear, and empathetic communication within their teams and organizations. Share best practices on active listening, constructive feedback, different communication styles, and how they affect employees’ preferences and cultural backgrounds.
Team Building
What makes an effective, high-performing team? Peers will discuss and share strategies on what makes a great team. Discussion will include items on accountability, fostering trust, handling conflict, psychological safety, and aligning with organizational goals.
Facilitated by our partner, American Society of Employers, six meetings are scheduled every eight weeks and will be held from 9 am until 10 am.
Leadership & Development Roundtable Meeting Schedule:
Tuesday, June 18th
Wednesday, August 14th
Tuesday, October 8th
Wednesday, December 4th
Tuesday, January 28th
Wednesday, March 26th

An Exploration of Whole Health for Employers
2024-10-09 11:00 - 12:00
Please join us on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to noon for a live webinar.
An Exploration of Whole Health for Employers will discuss the importance of the whole health care journey for your employees. The webinar will focus on how the benefits and condition management programs included in your medical plan, along with dental, vision, and financial protection, impact overall health and outcomes.
Additionally, we will share information and resources that are available to help employers make open enrollment an easy and informative experience for employees.
Event sponsored by Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan

Lightning Focused Business Networking Event with Consumers Credit Union & SBAM
2024-10-09 13:00 - 18:00
Please join the Small Business Association of Michigan and Consumers Credit Union for an event at Kent Country Club on October 9, 2024.
Educational sessions will take place between 1:00pm – 5:00pm with a networking reception from 5:00pm – 6:00pm.
Tickets are $25 each; seats are limited.
Event Agenda:
1:00 – 1:15 pm Opening Remarks
1:15 – 2:15 pm Lending to Growth Panel

Lynne Jarman-Johnson, Consumers Credit Union, facilitator
Scott Vogel, Owner/Operator of Nothing Bundt Cakes
Sandy Bloem, Business Service Sales Manager at Consumers Credit Union
Zachary Verhulst, Founder and CEO of Pure Architects

2:20 – 2:55 pm Lightning Round 1
2:55 – 3:10 pm Brief Break
3:10 – 4:10 pm Adopt and Amend Panel: Implications of Paid Sick Leave Requirements, Minimum Wage Increases, and the Elimination of the Tipped Credit

Kelli Saunders, Small Business Association of Michigan, facilitator
Wendy Block, Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Dave Worthams, Michigan Manufacturers Association
Amy Drumm, Michigan Retailers Association

4:15 – 4:50 pm Lighting Round 2
5:00 – 6:00 pm Networking Reception
Lightning Round Options
Topic 1: Succession Planning
Expert: Brad Scoffin, Director of New Business Development at Advanced Business Brokers
Topic 2: Social Selling
Expert: Jennifer Jurgens, CEO/Founder of 1 Bold Step
Topic 3 Leveraging AI for Business Growth
Expert: Nathan Jean, Managing Partner/Delivery Lead at Kyros Digital
Topic 4: Process Improvement
Expert: Brittany Parks, Owner of Brittany Parks Consulting
Topic 5: Talent and Retention
Expert: Shawn Premer, Chief Human Resources Officer at Consumers Credit Union
Upon registration you will be able to select from 5 lightning sessions during 2 time frames. These sessions are on: Succession Planning, Social Selling, Leveraging AI for Business Growth, Process Improvement, and Talent & Retention.
If you have any questions please contact Heather Hamilton, SBAM’s Director of Membership Retention and Sales Enablement at heather.hamilton@sbam.org.

Walsh Leadership Academy (WLA): Making the Dream Work
2024-10-10 15:00 - 18:00 | Walsh College, 3838 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI, 48083, United States
Unleash the leader within you! Walsh Leadership Academy is offered monthly for businesses looking to build skills on their team in leadership, so they can build an empowered team as they grow. In this session you will discover crucial elements to building a great team.

This series will be held in-person at Walsh College (3838 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083) every month from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. The course minimum is 5 people, and the capacity is limited to 30 people.
Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.

Sales at a Crossroads: Navigating your Path to Margin & Customer Growth
2024-10-14 10:00 - 11:00
Navigate the challenging sales terrain. This webinar identifies the threats to your margin and maps new routes to revenue. Understand market forces wreaking havoc on your margin and how to win now and in the future.

This course will be held virtually on October 14, from 10:00am to 11:00am. The course minimum is 5 people and is limited to 250 people.
Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.

VIP/Elite Member Luncheon: A Conversation with U.S. Senator Gary Peters
2024-10-15 11:30 - 13:00
SBAM VIP and Elite members: Join us for an exclusive luncheon featuring U.S. Senator Gary Peters on October 15, 2024 in East Lansing*.
This event is a unique opportunity to engage with Senator Peters, who will discuss key issues affecting small businesses in Michigan and beyond in a conversation moderated by SBAM’s Brian Calley.
Interested in attending, but not an SBAM VIP or Elite member? Upgrade today – contact us at membership@sbam.org for more details.
*Location will be provided in your confirmation email.

Webinar: Is An Arbitration Clause A Good Fit for Your Business
2024-10-17 12:00 - 12:30
Join the American Arbitration Association for an insightful webinar to explore the benefits of arbitration clauses. Learn how these clauses can help resolve disputes efficiently while avoiding costly litigation.
Presented by:
Katherine Gloede, American Arbitration Association
Sheri B. Cataldo, Sullivan, Ward, Patton, Gleeson & Felty, P.C.

Let Her Speak
2024-10-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Traverse Connect, 202 East Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI, 49684, United States
Let Her Speak will help female-identifying business leaders wanting to learn how to speak in their authentic voice and have fun doing it!

This nine-session series will be held in-person at Traverse Connect (202 East Grandview Parkway, Traverse City, MI 49684), from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. The course minimum is 8 people, and the capacity is limited to 12 people.
The program dates include:
• October 17
• November 14
• December 12
• January 9
• February 13
• March 13
• March 20
• April 10
• April 24

Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.

Small Business Strategies To Manage Employee Benefits
2024-10-18 11:30 - 12:30
Managing employee benefits for small businesses requires a careful balance between providing attractive incentives and controlling costs. This can be challenging as overall expenses continue to increase each year.
Join the SBAM Member Care Team as we review strategies for your company to offer employer-sponsored health insurance and value-added benefits such as life insurance, wellness programs, and flexible spending accounts without overwhelming your budget.
We will provide tools and resources to help you learn the difference between the small group plan options available and where to go for expert help.

Managing Problem Employees
2024-10-23 09:00 - 12:00
Participants will hear why problem employees need to be managed carefully. This course will help identify problem employees, introduce strategies necessary for effective management, and review documentation techniques that will both support termination and prevent against arbitration issues and legal liability.

This course will be held virtually on October 23, 2024, from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Capacity is limited to 22 people.

Exclusively for Small Business Support Hub Grant Participants.
