small business

Enter the “Local Gems” Sweepstakes for a Chance to Win $1,000, $500 or $250

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Woman holds a sign that says, "I heart shopping small and local."

Oakland County launched the “Local Gems” Sweepstakes, which gives residents a way to promote their favorite small businesses in the county and win some cash for the holidays.

From Nov. 1 through Nov. 25, shoppers can submit a selfie from small businesses’ brick-and-mortar locations, including its exterior, signage or interior. Created by Oakland County’s Department of Economic Development with financial sponsorship from  Genisys Credit Union,  participants have the chance to win $1,000, $500 or $250.

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Business Forward Program Boosts Availability of Small Business Services in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Oakland County launched an innovative program that will help small businesses and entrepreneurs grow and thrive, County Executive Dave Coulter announced last week at a news conference in Southfield. Business Forward will engage the county’s 36,000-plus small businesses with expertise and resources in the communities where they are located.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter speaks at the Business Forward press conference on March 10, 2022 at the Centrepolis Accelerator in Southfield.

“The Business Forward program has already started working in communities throughout Oakland County making it easier for entrepreneurs to run successful small businesses. They will be bringing their expertise and resources directly to the thousands of small businesses that call Oakland County home.”

-Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter

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#ShopLocalOaklandTogether this Holiday Season in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
shop small and local graphic

This holiday season, shop local in Oakland County for unique and meaningful gifts while supporting our small businesses, neighbors and friends.

“You can not only get great variety by shopping local, but you’re also supporting the local economy and the workers who are your neighbors, friends and family. And your dollars are staying in the local economy when you shop in these small businesses that are the binding threads in the fabric of our communities.”

-Oakland County Executive David Coulter

As you’re out and about, share a photo or video from where you are shopping and join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #ShopLocalOaklandTogether.

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February Business Workshops  

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Now is the time to better your business skills! Launch a brand-new business or advance your current one with the help of Oakland County’s One Stop Shop Business Center. Take part in their low-or-no-cost business workshops throughout the month of February and learn the skills necessary to become a successful business-person. Topics include writing your business plan, networking, financing options, cash flow, and more.

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