Sept 24: Let's Get Uncomfortable

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Supporting small business

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My favorite subject is small business and through the 8THIRTYFOUR Happy Hour Hustle podcast, WGVU Your Biz Your Town radio show with Shelley Irwin or this blog, I am constantly promoting the amazing businesses in our community.

Small Business Saturday is tomorrow and while this is mostly for retailers, it is a good opportunity to shine the spotlight on all small businesses.

Starting and growing a business is daunting, to say the least, but you are not alone. There are some amazing organizations in our state that are here to help. This blog is dedicated to just a few of them, who have assisted 8THIRTYFOUR over the years.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
When I was starting 8THIRTYFOUR, I needed a crash course in business finance and SBDC offers financial counseling and much, much more. They offer expert assistance at NO cost to entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business. You heard that right, their services are FREE.

The SBDC is headquartered within Grand Valley State University with 11 regional offices and more than 20 satellite offices.

I just recently reengaged their services to assist us in our Entrepreneurial Operating System journey, they offer facilitated sessions to ensure you are properly implementing.

Find out more by visiting, sbdcmichigan.org.

Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM)
If you know me, then you know I am very involved with SBAM, with over 26,000 members it is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community.They have been successfully serving small businesses in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969.

As a business owner, the ability to meet, network and commiserate with other owners is priceless. They keep us informed of policies at the state and national level that will affect our businesses and provide opportunities for us collaborate and partner.

Find out more at sbam.org.

There are many more great orgs, such as Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, local chambers and Inforum Michigan. Determine what your need is then reach out to one of these great resources to take your business to the next level.

Are there others that should be on the list? Add them in the comments below.

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8THIRTYFOUR Skills Survival School: PRogram: 90 days, 4 sessions, 5 modules, 6 mentor meetings. Developed by business owners for business owners.

Founding Cohort

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90 Days  |  4 Sessions  |  5 Modules  |  6 Mentor Meetings

Session Starts in September

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Felt fitting to post this sneak peek of the Happy Hour Hustle episode with @meredith.and.the.media. You can’t allow other people to decide your path, if you’re afraid they’re gonna judge you; they will.

Get over it.

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Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18127940368651823
Felt fitting to post this sneak peek of the Happy Hour Hustle episode with @meredith.and.the.media. You can’t allow other people to decide your path, if you’re afraid they’re gonna judge you; they will. Get over it.

What’s it like having 6 dogs sleep with you? Exhibit A.

🐕no room for your legs.
🦮king size bed; single for the humans.
🐩bed on a bed.
🐾wake with a crick in your neck.
🦴it’s their world, we’re just living in it

15 0
Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18174154756423008
What’s it like having 6 dogs sleep with you? Exhibit A. 🐕no room for your legs. 🦮king size bed; single for the humans. 🐩bed on a bed. 🐾wake with a crick in your neck. 🦴it’s their world, we’re just living in it

The power of the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is best described by the second-stage WOSBs in it. Ashley Connelly, 25-26 grad, sums it up:

“If you’re a second stage woman business owner seeking an fellowship program that allows for the participants to be FULLY authentic 💃 , network with peers for advice, celebrate each other’s successes and failures all while being exposed to amazing speakers who are also practitioners - SIGN UP! ✅ People involved in this program GET IT... they understand what is means to be and think like an entrepreneur.”

Apply for the next cohort, launching in October. Deadline is mid-September.

Apply now: https://sbamwef.org/apply/

WEF is a program built by business owners for business owners, which is what makes it so incredible. The women chosen for the program have access to resources, mentorship, peer support, and 9 months of learning focused on the emotional and practical.

7 0
Open post by bodespeaks with ID 18113635111928988
The power of the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is best described by the second-stage WOSBs in it. Ashley Connelly, 25-26 grad, sums it up: “If you’re a second stage woman business owner seeking an fellowship program that allows for the participants to be FULLY authentic 💃 , network with peers for advice, celebrate each other’s successes and failures all while being exposed to amazing speakers who are also practitioners - SIGN UP! ✅ People involved in this program GET IT... they understand what is means to be and think like an entrepreneur.” Apply for the next cohort, launching in October. Deadline is mid-September. Apply now: https://sbamwef.org/apply/ WEF is a program built by business owners for business owners, which is what makes it so incredible. The women chosen for the program have access to resources, mentorship, peer support, and 9 months of learning focused on the emotional and practical.