Michigan: Resources

The Detroit Chinese Business Association (DCBA) aims to foster and facilitate increased collaborations between American and Chinese businesses. Members enjoy several benefits that range from trade shows and seminars to business translations and other linguistic or cultural assistance. The site includes events, news reports, newsletters, and job opportunities. Corporations must pay an annual membership fee to receive all benefits.

Export Michigan is sponsored by a partnership between the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Michigan State University's International Business Center (IBC) and aims to help Michigan businesses successfully begin exporting and subsequently expand on their success.  Its services include a list of Michigan's top exporter partners identified as target markets, an export services directory to identify trade contacts, an event calendar featuring local workshops and seminars, and an extensive list of export resources to aid businesses.

MichBusiness is a membership organization that recently evolved from the Michigan Business and Professional Association (MBPA). MichBusiness offers support for growing businesses such as educational programs, valuable tools and resources, and high-impact events. The site includes information on the services provided including business knowledge, facilitated networking, legislative influence, financial savings, and health care reform connect. A list of events is also included.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) provides detailed information on what makes Michigan a good place to do business, such as tax incentives and key industries, as well as information on starting, expanding, or relocating a business to Michigan. MEDC international trade programs promote Michigan's small business exports by supporting trade missions, trade shows, market research, marketing assistance, training, and trade promotion offices overseas. A research library with information about MEDC projects, reports, fact sheets, and various other tools is available and accessible by simply clicking "About MEDC" and then following the link to Research Library.

Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA) provides services and political representation for member manufacturers in Michigan. Services include political advocacy, education and seminar opportunities, various human resource services, and discounts for aspects of business such as office supplies, car rentals, and lodging expenses. The site includes information on government affairs, insurance, industry news, and events.

Hosted by Grand Valley State University, the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) aims to help new ventures and existing small businesses to launch, grow, transition, and innovate. Tools available for existing businesses include financing, import help, and export help. They also provide aid for start-ups such as business plan development, market research, raising capital, workshops, technology commercialization, and strategic planning. This SBDC website details the center's services in-depth, and also provides an online guide to entrepreneurship.

The Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER) at Michigan State University looks to further international business education and understanding for business professionals, academic professionals, and students by increasing knowledge development, knowledge deployment, and cultural competitiveness.

This article reviews counterfeiting activities occurring in Michigan and ways to avoid becoming a victim.  Examples from Michigan-based companies provide tangible illustrations of the problem and potential solutions.  File opens in PDF.

The Michigan branch of the Department of Commerce specializes in helping small-to-medium sized companies develop and execute exporting strategies. Services offered include trade counseling, market intelligence, business matchmaking, and commercial diplomacy. Fees vary and are based on the service being provided. This website provides information and contacts about the three offices that serve the state, as well as trade events, a resource database for exporters, and a press room.

This document describes Michigan’s use of Freedom of Contract and its exceptions. The Michigan Sales Representative Act and Michigan’s limitations on the enforceability of non-competition agreements are also briefly described. Issues such as absent or ambiguous terms, oral contracts, franchise relationships, taxes, and antitrust laws are discussed as well. Prepared by: Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C. File opens in PDF.

The West Michigan District Export Council (DEC) offers consulting and educational services for businesses in Michigan interested in entering or expanding in new international markets. The site includes sections for news, events, trade assistance, and important resources for businesses looking to export.