Michigan Business Network

Michigan Business Network

The Home of Business in Michigan. Get on-demand access to audio programs, articles and resources presented by savvy business leaders and industry experts.

  1. Michigan Business Beat | Laketa Henderson, SBA, Detroit Supplier Matchmaking & Patriot Pitch

    4d ago

    Michigan Business Beat | Laketa Henderson, SBA, Detroit Supplier Matchmaking & Patriot Pitch

    Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Laketa Henderson, Michigan District Director, SBA, U.S. Small Business Administration, Detroit, MI. The SBA’s second Supplier Matchmaking Expo of the year is fast approaching – this Friday in Detroit, in fact. Remind us why the SBA is doing this and why matchmaking events are so important to the health of the American small business dream? The event emphasizes strengthening U.S. supply chains and “Made in America” partnerships. What opportunities does that create specifically for Michigan manufacturers and suppliers? Speaking of “Made in America,” our nation is celebrating Freedom 250 this year. Is the SBA doing anything special? A Patriot Pitch Competition? What is it, what can businesses win, and how can they apply? There are several stages of judging, but competitors have to get by the first round. What are judges looking for from the first-round contestants that will move them on to the “Road to 68”? The criteria judging panels are looking at are: A) Strengthening American competitiveness B) Small Business “punching above its weight.” C) Economic impact and quality jobs D) Business fundamentals and execution readiness Why these four things in particular? The prize pool is $1 Million. How is that broken down between the final five winners?

    8 min
  2. Michigan Business Beat | Brad Zaun, SBA, Detroit Supplier Matchmaking Expo Opportunities June 5th

    May 22

    Michigan Business Beat | Brad Zaun, SBA, Detroit Supplier Matchmaking Expo Opportunities June 5th

    Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Brad Zaun, Acting Regional Great Lakes Administrator, US SBA - Small Business Administration. There were several questions he wanted to find out about from Brad in this conversation. The 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo is focused on connecting suppliers directly with major buyers. Why are events like this becoming increasingly important for small and midsize businesses trying to grow? This year’s expo includes one-on-one matchmaking meetings with corporate and government buyers. How can businesses best prepare to make the most of those conversations? The event emphasizes strengthening U.S. supply chains and “Made in America” partnerships. What opportunities does that create for Michigan manufacturers and suppliers specifically? Many smaller businesses may assume supplier expos are only for large manufacturers. What types of companies should really consider attending this event, and why? Beyond networking, what long-term business value can companies gain from participating in the Supplier Matchmaking Expo in Detroit on June 5th? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ The upcoming SBA Supplier Matchmaking Expo taking place Friday, June 5, 2026. Hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators, Michigan Small Business Development Center, and DTMB - Central Procurement Services, the event is designed to connect suppliers directly with corporate and government buyers looking to strengthen U.S. supply chains. Brad explains why matchmaking events are increasingly valuable for small and midsize businesses, how companies can prepare for one-on-one buyer meetings, and what “Made in America” initiatives could mean for Michigan manufacturers and suppliers. The conversation also highlights how businesses beyond traditional manufacturing can benefit from attending and building long-term partnerships. Registration for the event at Motor City Casino is available at Supplier Matchmaking Expo Registration https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-supplier-matchmaking-expo-tickets-1986269266846?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=chatgpt.com

    9 min
  3. Michigan Business Beat | Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works Association, Workforce Development

    May 21

    Michigan Business Beat | Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works Association, Workforce Development

    Chris Holman welcomes Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works! Association, Lansing, MI. Chris Holman of Michigan Business Beat interviews Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association, about the organization's upcoming 2025 Annual Conference in Kalamazoo — the first time the event has been held there since 2019. The conference features three keynote speakers covering AI and innovation, people-centered management, and Michigan labor market trends, with a reception planned at the Gilmore Car Museum. Hundt highlights the ongoing support of key sponsors including the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Consumers Energy Foundation, and NGen, noting their contributions are essential to putting on the event. He emphasizes that amid federal funding cuts and economic headwinds, the conference will focus on how workforce development organizations can collaborate more efficiently, expand apprenticeships, and better serve underserved populations to strengthen Michigan's economy. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

    7 min
  4. Michigan Business Beat | Roger Curtis, Youth Solutions, Career-Focused Education

    May 21

    Michigan Business Beat | Roger Curtis, Youth Solutions, Career-Focused Education

    Chris Holman welcomes Roger Curtis, Executive Director, Youth Solutions, Benton Harbor, MI. Chris Holman of Michigan Business Beat interviews Roger Curtis, Executive Director of Youth Solutions, a Benton Harbor-based organization working at the intersection of education and workforce development to help young people across Michigan discover career pathways. Over 16 years, Youth Solutions has impacted more than 39,000 students through data-driven, curriculum-backed programs delivered by around 160 trained specialists, with a particular focus on at-risk and first-generation post-secondary youth. Curtis shares the breaking news that the Jobs for Michigan's Graduates program achieved a 100% graduation rate this year — a first in the organization's history. He also describes the Foundations program, which works to transform entire school cultures around career-focused education, noting that 82% of surveyed students said they'd be more engaged if they understood how their coursework connected to career pathways. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

    7 min
  5. Michigan Business Beat | Tim Daman, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Regional Economic Growth

    May 21

    Michigan Business Beat | Tim Daman, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Regional Economic Growth

    Chris Holman welcomes Tim Daman, President and CEO, Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lansing, MI. Chris Holman of Michigan Business Beat interviews Tim Daman, President and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, about the highlights of their Lansing Economic Club season, which featured speakers including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a women's leadership panel, the Canadian Consul General, and MSU basketball figures Tom Izzo and Mike Garland. Daman outlines the upcoming fall lineup, including programs on NIL and college athletics, Fraunhofer's diamond coating technologies at MSU, regional economic growth, and a year-end financial forecast. He also reflects on the Chamber's broader mission, noting that post-COVID engagement is returning to pre-pandemic levels across events, leadership programs, and networking. On the national front, Daman highlights tariff uncertainty and the "Big Beautiful Bill" as top concerns, particularly its potential impact on higher education institutions like Michigan State University. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

    7 min
  6. Michigan Business Beat | Erin Kaylor, Biggby Coffee, President's Vision

    May 21

    Michigan Business Beat | Erin Kaylor, Biggby Coffee, President's Vision

    Chris Holman welcomes Erin Kaylor, President, Biggby Coffee, East Lansing, MI. Erin Kaylor, the newly appointed president of Biggby Coffee in East Lansing, spoke with Michigan Business Beat about her vision for the rapidly growing franchise, which recently expanded to 438 locations across 13 states. Drawing on two decades of experience at McDonald's, she plans to focus on unified brand messaging and supporting franchisee profitability through financial coaching and mentorship. Kaylor outlined a growth strategy centered on expanding southward and toward the coasts, while also maximizing sales within existing locations. She also highlighted Biggby's commitment to sourcing coffee sustainably by purchasing directly from small producers, and noted that co-founders Bob Fish and Mike McFall continue to play active roles in the company's mission and entrepreneurial culture. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

    7 min
  7. Michigan Business Beat | Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works Association, Impact Awards

    May 21

    Michigan Business Beat | Ryan Hundt, Michigan Works Association, Impact Awards

    Chris Holman welcomes Ryan Hundt, CEO, Michigan Works Association, Lansing, MI. Ryan Hundt, CEO of the Michigan Works Association, joined Michigan Business Beat to discuss the organization's annual Impact Awards, held at Heritage Hall in Lansing, which celebrate standout success stories from across the Michigan Works network in all 83 counties. The event honored 16 winners — including businesses, job seekers, and community partners — and featured support from notable figures such as Senator Gary Peters, named the 2023 Legislator of the Year. Highlighted stories included Michigan Works West Central funding road patrol and paramedic training to bolster local public safety staffing, and West Michigan Works helping an individual named Shalondria Jackson overcome transportation and certification barriers to advance her healthcare career. Capital Area Michigan Works was also recognized for helping a refugee from Afghanistan — who had suffered significant personal tragedy — connect with the resources and employment support needed to rebuild his professional life in the U.S. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

    7 min
  8. Michigan Business Beat | Kim Bode, 8THIRTYFOUR, Women-Owned Small Business of the Year Award

    May 21

    Michigan Business Beat | Kim Bode, 8THIRTYFOUR, Women-Owned Small Business of the Year Award

    Chris Holman welcomes Kim Bode, Owner, 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications, Grand Rapids, MI. Kim Bode, owner of 8THIRTYFOUR Integrated Communications in Grand Rapids, was recently honored as Women-Owned Small Business of the Year at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Gala — her second recognition at the event, having also received a Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award in 2021. She founded the communications agency 17 years ago after noticing a lack of women in leadership roles in her field and deciding to forge her own path. Beyond running her agency, she is currently leading a Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship through the Small Business Association of Michigan, focused on supporting second-stage women-owned businesses navigate the challenges of growth. She emphasized that second stage — when a business has employees and real growth costs — is often the hardest and least-supported phase, and she hopes to help other women-owned companies find the right resources to reach the next level. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

    7 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Home of Business in Michigan. Get on-demand access to audio programs, articles and resources presented by savvy business leaders and industry experts.

Information

  • Creator
    Michigan Business Network
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    561
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Michigan Business Network