Oakland County Business Center (MI-SBTDC) -- Business Counseling/Coaching

Business Counseling/Coaching

Experienced business consultants are available by appointment to confidentially discuss your business, assist you in developing or refining your business or marketing plan, financial management strategies and more.

Couseling is provided at no charge to qualified businesses, although there may be a cost for certain out-of-pocket costs incurred by our Oakland County Business Center MI-SBTDC.

To qualify for counseling your business must:

• Be headquartered in Oakland County
• Be "home grown"
• Have less than 500 employees or be starting a new business
• Meet the SBA's small business revenue size standards 
• Have completed the MI-SBTDC "Request for Assistance" form and agreed to participate in surveys designed to measure the effectiveness of the Michigan SBTDC program
• Have a draft business plan or executive summary before meeting the counselor

If your business is located outside Oakland County please check the MI-SBTDC website for a suitable location.

Our MI-SBTDC counselors have significant experience in the private sector, and many have extensive management and financial consulting backgrounds. When you come to our center you will be taking advantage of our "Feet on The Street". Specialized expertise from this team includes technology, growth and manufacturing assistance. Our Oakland County MI-SBTDC also uses qualified faculty, students and volunteers to enhance our counseling services. Our MI-SBTDC counselors are highly regarded by clients for their business skills and expertise.

To request an appointment follow the process outlined on our home page.

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Business Assistance Teams (BATS)

The BAT is a volunteer membership experienced in various fields who help existing businesses remedy issues or provide fresh ideas.  

BATS involve coordinated visits to small business owners in Oakland County municipalities. Members hail from

• Oakland County Business Consultants
• Banks
• Chambers of Commerce
• Cities
• Downtown Development Authorities
• Service Corp of Retired Executives (S.C.O.R.E.)

BAT meeting formats range from town hall meetings to panel discussions and culminate in individual on-site visits. Follow up correspondence answers business owner questions and provides next steps. Even significant issues can be resolved throught this process. On-going access to all the volunteers is provided.

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Business Plan Review

Every successful business owner has a business plan whether in the mind or scattered on notes and cocktail napkins But, the most effective business plans are those that are organized, written and utilized throughout the life of the business.

Fundamentals of Writing a Business Plan workshop presents an overview of all elements needed to create your plan.

Business Center staff can review and suggest improvements to your plan. If interested, please submit a copy of your plan with a Request for Business Plan Review. Allow at least 7 to 10 business days for us to review and digest your plan. Once reviewed, we will arrange a meeting.

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Marketing Plan Review

The Marketing plan describes the market the business is competing in including, size, demographics, competitive analysis, product, pricing, positioning, and more. It includes the strategy implemented to grab a share of the target market and the tools needed to accomplish the goals.

Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business workshop covers the elements needed in your marketing plan.

Business Center staff can review and suggest improvements to your plan. If interested, please submit a copy of your plan along with a Request for Marketing Plan Review. Allow at least 7 to 10 business days for us to review and digest your plan. Once reviewed, we will arrange a meeting.

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