Macomb County is seeking out small business owners and entrepreneurs with business ideas as economic development planners work to support businesses seen as the "bread and butter of our downtowns and commercial corridors."
The county is offering a 12-week "Unlock Your Sales Potential" course at the Velocity business incubator in Sterling Heights, starting Feb. 28. The Michigan Small Business Development and Technology Center is teaching the program at Velocity as local and state economic development planners look for ways to increase small business success.
In Macomb County there are 2,855 small retail establishments responsible for supporting 40,590 jobs.
"Unique and interesting retail shops are the bread and butter of our downtowns and commercial corridors," says Don Morandini, deputy director of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development. "This class is especially for entrepreneurs with a passion for selling what consumers want. We'll help them uncover a deeper understanding of their customer base and provide ideas for keeping their inventory selling."
The benefits of the guidance given by the business development and technology center and courses such as the one coming up are crucial to operating a business, says Debbie Heuchert, owner of Champagne Chocolates in downtown Mount Clemens. She ran the business for 14 years in her basement before opening a store in downtown Mount Clemens eight years ago. She also had a store in Birmingham in 2007.
"This class opened up my eyes on more than just my business. It is an incredible course. It helps you be honest with yourself," says Huechert. "I think it's one of the most important things you can do if you're thinking about a business…I wish I had known about something like this before I started. If I had done my homework…I would have done things differently."
For sign up or to obtain more information, e-mail
Denise.Mentzer@MacombCountyMI.gov or call 586-469-5118.
Source: Maria Zardis, Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development; Debbie Heuchert, owner Champagne Chocolates.
Writer: Kim North Shine
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