News & Resources

Steven Strauss: Self-Employment Part 1

Part 1 of 2Question: Hey Steve, I have a friend who has been unemployed for about two years. His unemployment insurance is about to run out and he has this kooky plan now to go …

March 16, 2012

Small business tax and financial advice! Today at 10 a.m. on Business Next

Longtime small business advocate and retired CPA Paul Hense talks about the positive impact of business tax reform and how to get nuggets of useful information out of your year-end financials. Listen Friday at 10 …

March 15, 2012

Ancient philosophers had surprisingly helpful advice for modern small business owners

(By Paul Hense, CPA, past chairman of SBAM. From SBAM’s member-only Focus on Small Business magazine.)We often believe the problems we have as a small business owner are unique. The reality is that people have …

March 14, 2012

How Michigan is tilling the ground to foster the growth of “economic gardening.” Wednesday at 10 a.m. on Business Next.

Learn about the terrific new economic gardening programs being offered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Interview with the MEDC's Tom Rico. Also, David Lingholm of Answer Santiago has words of wisdom to help guide …

March 13, 2012

You can be the SBAM Facebook member of the week!

On March 31, Facebook is rolling out a new look for the Facebook “brand” pages (like SBAM’s). The new design will feature a large, prominent image at the top of the page. We’re excited about …

March 12, 2012

IRS clarifies W-2 reporting of group health plan coverage costs to employees

Under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, many employers will soon be required to report to employees the cost of their group health plan coverage. As the deadline gets closer, many …

March 12, 2012

Tips on cutting your energy costs, and customer service insights. Today at 10 a.m. on Business Next!

Tips on cutting your energy costs, and insights into the customer service values of a unique "green" small business. Interview with Denny Duchene, founder of Inspired Green of Grand Ledge. Also, this week's small business …

March 11, 2012

Steven Strauss: Federal Grant Funding

Question: I was wondering if there really is federal grant money available for my small business, and if so, where do I find it? It would be great if there was.Answer: Let me ask you: …

March 9, 2012

Give a vet a job, and marketing with modern mailing lists. Today at 10 a.m. on Business Next

Helping veterans get jobs in small businesses. Michael Rogers talks with Julie Mann of Rockstar Warriors. And, the value of targeted mailing and email lists for growing your small business customer base. Guest expert Dave …

March 8, 2012

Skate to where the puck is going to be

I was attending a business networking event the other evening and I ran across a friend of mine who is a chiropractor. Interestingly enough, this networking event was taking place at a bowling alley. The …

March 7, 2012

The importance of community bankers to small business financing. Today at 10 a.m. on Business Next

Michael Rogers talks small business banking with Don Mann of the Community Bankers of Michigan. Also, entrepreneurial success stories from Don Sherman, Green Fundraiser Store; Angela Fisher, Ace Barter Exchange and Justin Jacobs, Comeplaydetroit.com. Listen …

March 7, 2012

Registration open for May 3 “Michigan Celebrates Small Business”

Tickets for the May 3 Michigan Celebrates Small Business event are $95 per person (down from $135 last year) or a table of ten for $900. The evening includes a cocktail reception, a keynote speaker …

March 6, 2012

SBAM’s membership grows by 134 in February

SBAM welcomed 134 new members to the association in February, with almost 90 of them joining specifically for member-only benefits. That gives SBAM 13,409 active members, for a net growth of 2,699 since Feb 2011. …

March 5, 2012

Trying to control costly small business insurance mandates, today on Business Next

Michael Rogers talks with Dave Jessup, SBAM's Director of Government Relations, about efforts to control costly small business insurance mandates. Plus, details on two outstanding upcoming events: the March 7 Google Get Your Business Online …

March 2, 2012

Can’t get a bank loan? Learn more about non-bank financing alternatives — today at 10 a.m. on Business Next.

Non-bank financing alternatives for small businesses. Michael Rogers talks with Julius Talley of James Capital LLC in Kalamazoo. Listen today at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on the Michigan Business Network. Listen to …

March 2, 2012

Steven Strauss: Shark Tank

Question: Lately I have been watching the TV show Shark Tank and really like it. What always amazes me is that the people whose products I don’t like often get money and those that I …

March 1, 2012

Guide for using LinkedIn to promote your small business

(By Ashley Ferremi, Eiler PR in Ann Arbor. From SBAM’s member-only Focus on Small Business magazine)While there are numerous social media sites available online, unlike Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn’s primary target is the professional work …

February 29, 2012

Visa, AMEX, Master Card: are you getting the best terms and service on your credit card processing? Learn more at 10 a.m. today on Business Next!

Whether you're a credit card veteran or new to credit card processing, get all the money-saving facts today at 10 a.m. when Michael Rogers talks with Charlie Creamer of Midwest Transaction Group (SBAM's Approved Partner …