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.

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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.

Breaking Business Barriers | Business-Ready for Capital: Identifying Key Factors for Success

Ready to take your business to the next level? Join us for a 4-part webinar series kicking off with the Michigan Center for Employee Ownership. We’ll dive into critical topics like securing capital funding, getting your business prepared for growth, and leveraging employee ownership. Each session will offer expert guidance and practical takeaways to empower your business. Look out for upcoming sessions from Peoples First Economy, the Center for Community-Based Enterprise, and the Detroit Common Wealth Fund for continued learning and growth.

Sign up here!

Breaking Business Barriers | Empowering Business Through Technology & Strategy

Discover practical tools and strategies to boost your business efficiency and sustainability. This session features free business education platforms, social and environmental impact assessments, and introduces the value of business support networks.

Sign up here!

Breaking Business Barriers | Unlocking Capital for Business Growth and Transition

Are you a business owner looking to grow your business and/or plan for what comes next? Join the Center for Community-Based Enterprise (C2BE) and special guest experts for a free virtual event designed to equip you with the tools and insights to assess your “what’s next” options, and to access capital at the right time.

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.

Sign up here!

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.

Sign up here!