Small Business Growth Program in Livonia to Start in January

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DETROIT – CEOs of small businesses are encouraged to participate in a nationally recognized program designed to assist growth in 2nd Stage businesses. The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) will present Venture Forward, starting January 20 at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, to help the existing business owners looking to grow.

Venture Forward is an intensive, 11-week program designed for owners, CEOs and top management team members of businesses with at least two years of operating experience and $750,000 in annual sales. Focused on issues most important to business health and growth, attendees gain knowledge to make critical decisions about their business and strategy, investigate next-stage growth and opportunity, plan for strategic growth, build and maintain a competitive advantage and maximize cash flow for profitability.  Venture Forward utilizes the highly acclaimed FastTrac® GrowthVenture™ learning system. Applicants can apply online.

The program helps business owners learn several business development skills including how to:

  • Develop an overall business strategy for growth
  • Achieve a strong, competitive market position
  • Plan financial needs to avoid cash flow problems
  • Structure operations for improved efficiency
  • Determine whether a company has the right people to get the job done

“Many operating businesses never get the opportunity to step back and work ON their business, usually focusing on working IN their business. (“Venture Forward”) gives them the chance to step back and work ON their business.” said Tammy Thomson, MI-SBTDC Center Director of Schoolcraft College.

There are 11 Friday sessions starting January 20 through March 30 with program time of 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the VisTaTech Center at Schoolcraft College in Livonia. The cost is $299. To register contact Sara Gumina at (734) 462-4438 or sgumina@schoolcraft.edu.

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) is a statewide business assistance program that provides one-on-one counseling, training and research support for Michigan small businesses. The MI-SBTDC Southeast Region, serving Wayne, Oakland and Monroe counties is headquartered at the Eastern Michigan University College of Business in the Center For Entrepreneurship with full service locations at TechTown in Detroit, Schoolcraft College in Livonia, the Monroe Industrial Development Corporation and the Oakland County Business Center.