From 200 Employees to Just One – We Have the Support You Need

Just about every city offers support for its local businesses, but what if you need technical expertise that goes beyond the basics?

We have a network for that.

West Michigan companies of all sizes can engage with an array of business development resources from funding programs to mentors and fellow entrepreneurs. Innovation West Michigan will work with you to identify your needs and connect you with the best resources to meet them. Some of our partners include:

State Resources

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) is a statewide network of 12 regional offices providing services for small businesses emerging and growing throughout the state of Michigan. Services include business planning, basic business training, finance, management tools, and connections to other assistance providers.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) MMTC-West supports the global competitiveness of manufacturers throughout the region’s 17 counties. From quality and continuous improvement programs to new innovation and market diversification services today, MMTC-West offers affordable, flexible assistance designed specifically for West Michigan’s small- to mid-sized manufacturers.

Professional Networking

The Grand Rapids Inventors Network (GRIN) - helps inventors help themselves via networking and experience sharing with other inventors. GRIN members include professionals, marketers, business owners and consultants, as well as others with individual skills to help take an idea to the marketplace.

The Muskegon Inventors Network (MIN)  - is a regional non-profit that supports inventors, marketers, and creative people in networking and sharing best practices with peers. Its membership includes experienced inventors, marketers, business owners, and consultants, as well as others with individual skills to help take an idea to the marketplace.

NewNorth Center – NewNorth Center’s goal is to change individual and corporate culture as it relates to business education and learning. Its programs are designed to break through corporate norms and show professionals novel approaches to business success.

University Business Centers

Central Michigan University Business Insites - This business intelligence consulting group mines corporate information often marrying it with data from outside sources. The information is used by client companies to identify ways to save money and generate new revenue. Teams of business intelligence analysts joined by university researchers and graduate students are sponsored by such companies as IBM, SAS and ERSI to provide powerful business intelligence at well below market rates.

Grand Valley State University Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI) - The CEI champions and supports entrepreneurial growth via two objectives: talent development and support for businesses. It offers quality research and programming, innovation collaborations, creative resourcing, and information services in the field of entrepreneurship. 

Michigan State University Business-CONNECT - Michigan State University has developed several programs to address business challenges. Areas include business strategy, leadership and change management, marketing and new product development as well as financial management and control.

University of Michigan’s Business Engagement Center - Industry's front door to the University, connecting business with faculty expertise, student and alumni talent, continuing education programs, sponsored research possibilities, and strategic giving opportunities.


Visit our Business Links page for more business assistance resources.  For more assistance in connecting to community resources, contact us or talk to our Business Development team.