The New Economy Initiative and Gilbert Family Foundation have launched MI Small Business Helper, a free, digital platform designed to connect southeast Michigan entrepreneurs and founders with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to start, grow, and sustain their businesses.
NEI is a philanthropic collaboration and special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, which works to build a regional network of support for entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Developed with input from more than 80 partner organizations that provide support and resources to entrepreneurs, MI Small Business Helper provides a centralized hub to access funding opportunities, step-by-step business guides, curated events, mentorship connections, and direct support from local experts.
The platform eliminates barriers to entry for business owners, streamlining access to trusted support services across the region.
“For many small business owners, the hardest step is simply knowing where to begin,” says Wafa Dinaro, executive director of the New Economy Initiative. “MI Small Business Helper was designed to remove that uncertainty by offering a clear entry point, connecting entrepreneurs directly to the guidance and resources they need.”
Funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation, the platform represents a long-term investment in the vitality of Michigan’s small business ecosystem.
By serving as a trusted entry point into the entrepreneurial support network, the platform has the potential to accelerate individual business growth and strengthen the region’s economic infrastructure for decades to come.
“At Gilbert Family Foundation, we believe small businesses are the backbone of thriving communities,” says Darnell Adams, vice president of Detroit Community Initiatives at the organization.
“Supporting the launch of MI Small Business Helper ensures that every entrepreneur, regardless of their background or resources, has a clear path to the help they need. This is more than just building businesses. It’s about building generational wealth, stronger neighborhoods, and a more competitive regional economy.”
Today, there are nearly 1 million small businesses across Michigan employing almost 2 million residents, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy, 2024 Small Business Profile by State of Michigan.
MI Small Business Helper seeks to expand opportunity, reduce duplication among service providers, and provide real-time insights into entrepreneurial needs. Looking ahead, the platform will evolve into a shared data system that measures impact, tracks engagement, and identifies gaps in support, ensuring that investment continues to go where it is needed most.
For more information, visit michigansmallbusinesshelper.com to explore resources and connect with local experts.
