PFE + DCWF + C2BE + MICEO
Capital Readiness Initiative
People First Economy, Detroit Community Wealth Fund, Center for Community-Based Enterprise, and Michigan Center for Employee Ownership have partnered to support MEDC’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance program. Together, we serve very small businesses (VBS – businesses with fewer than 10 employees) and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) by offering:
- Guidance to help business owners find and win capital
- Resources to enhance financial and business management skills
- Expert support for transitioning to employee-owned business models
- Providing support across the entire state
Interested in learning more? Submit your interest below!
Contact Us to Learn More!
Reach out to one of our team members to learn more about this program.
Dig Deeper
Helping Small Business Owners Find & Win Capital
In August 2024, we explored pivotal topics in economic development through two enlightening webinars, focusing on the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0. These sessions offered a comprehensive look at how SSBCI 2.0 can transform local economies and support small businesses. View the detailed recap of the insights shared in the presentations.
Michigan Business Development Group Secures Government Support for Local Entrepreneurs
Business development organization, People First Economy (PFE), among eight additional statewide organizations, has received federal funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance grant program. The funding initiative announced by Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II aims to increase businesses’ access to technical assistance and funding. PFE is partnering with three aligned organizations focused on worker ownership: the Center for Community Based Enterprise (C2BE), Detroit Community Wealth Fund (DCWF), and Michigan Center for Employee Ownership (MICEO) to facilitate connections between Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and 60 small businesses for loan readiness and management technical assistance.
Getting Your Business Ready for Financing
In this webinar we will focus on what really makes a business capital-ready. Learn the key factors investors and lenders look for, and walk through a mini-case study that brings the process to life.
Access to Capital with Huntington Bank
Join us for a Capital Access conversation designed to help entrepreneurs understand funding options, prepare to be loan-ready, and build relationships with trusted partners. You’ll discover that you’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to decision-making and that you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. Together, we’ll explore how to find a trusted partner who can support your growth and success. This session will empower you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take your next steps toward accessing capital.
This interactive webinar will guide you through creating a strategy to grow or transition your business, identifying the types of capital required, and navigating the barriers you might face along the way. You’ll gain real-time insights and leave with actionable steps to move your business forward.
Planning for the Future: Succession, Financing & Worker Ownership
Every small business needs a plan for growth and the future. Join us for a workshop on succession planning, transition financing, and worker ownership—practical strategies to secure your legacy while strengthening your business and community.
Breaking Business Barriers | Preparing for Due Diligence
Getting ready to seek funding for your business? In this presentation DCWF and David Finet will be sharing insights into how to put your best foot forward when approaching lenders, while providing an accurate picture of the state of your business.
Meet the Collaborative
