By Chanel Stitt, Communications Associate
The New Economy Initiative (NEI) and Gilbert Family Foundation partnered to launch MI Small Business Helper, a free digital platform designed to connect southeast Michigan entrepreneurs and founders to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
NEI, a special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, hosted several business leaders, ecosystem partners and entrepreneurs on October 7 to celebrate the collaboration and future impact of the platform.
MI Small Business Helper can filter over 80 organizations and programs, allowing business owners and founders to find exactly what they need. The platform also features a running list of grant opportunities, step-by-step business guides, a community events calendar, regulatory information and more. NEI also prioritized hiring a dedicated staff member to keep MI Small Business Helper accurate and evolving.
“For many small business owners, the hardest step is simply knowing where to begin,” said Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director of NEI. “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. When small businesses thrive, it strengthens our neighborhoods, creates jobs and builds long-term economic mobility across the region.”
Dinaro provided highlights about the milestone moment at the launch celebration, followed by Linda Nosegbe, Director of Economic Mobility at the Gilbert Family Foundation. The event also featured a business owner panel of MI Small Business Helper Ambassadors, including Max Chapman, Co-owner of Chapman’s Jewelry & Gifts, and Ebony Cochran, Founder of The Debt Survivor and Executive Director of the Detroit Wealth Club. Anita Zavala, Deputy Director of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, also joined the panel.
“Like any other entrepreneur, for me, time is always of the utmost importance,” said Chapman. “So, it’s huge for me to be able to have a tool like this where I can sit down and have a one-stop-shop to solve some of the business problems that I come across.”
Funded by the Gilbert Family Foundation, the platform represents a long-term investment in the sustainability of Michigan’s small business ecosystem. By serving as a trusted entry point into the entrepreneurial support network, the platform has the potential to not only accelerate individual business growth but also strengthen Southeast Michigan’s economic infrastructure for years to come.
MI Small Business Helper will continue to expand its features. Visit michigansmallbusinesshelper.com to explore resources, connect with local experts and access tools today.
