Michigan Microbusiness Coalition to support the smallest businesses

“We want to make sure microbusinesses have all the tools they need to succeed in Michigan.”

MML Foundation President Helen Johnson says community and economic success is inherently tied to these small businesses.

The Michigan Municipal League and Foundation has more than 530 municipal members, she said.

Johnson said he is interested in seeing hundreds of thousands of microbusinesses thrive in Michigan because it is important to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the community.

“We know this is a timely announcement with ARPA funding currently being considered by states and communities.”

Johnson said states should have all ARPA funds committed by 2024 and deployed by 2026.

“It is absolutely critical to us to ensure that our microbusinesses are among the most flexible resources we have ever seen in our communities and states,” she said.

Members of this coalition of 20 groups include the City of Detroit and Grand Rapids, Michigan Foundation Council, Michigan Women Forward Small Business Association, Michigan Small Business Development Center, ProsperUs Detroit, USDA Rural Development, Venture North Funding and Development, Michigan It is included. Community Capital, William Davidson Foundation, Community Foundation of St. Clair County, Michigan Economic Development Corp., WK Kellogg Foundation, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, Northern Initiatives.

Citing data from the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, the coalition said micro-enterprises made up about 78.5% of all businesses in the country.

Their owners are likely to be young, female, and people of color, Dinaro said. “As the state seeks to expand employment across Michigan, our best bet is to focus on entrepreneurs and small businesses that are poised to create opportunities within their local communities.”

Reforms or policies sought by the new coalition include:

• Allocate a portion of state/federal funds (contracts, economic development funds) to microbusinesses and focus on their first five years of operation.

• Reduce or eliminate vocational licensing requirements, permits and fees for small businesses, including home businesses.

• Provide portable medical benefits for transitional workers who want to start small businesses.

• Provides immediate tax relief for small businesses for the first five years of operation.

• Improve regulatory flexibility and reduce compliance requirements for crowdfunding

• Establishment of Michigan Microbusiness Office