MAREC to host business funding event

MAREC, Grand Valley's business innovation center, will host a new event in Muskegon designed to connect entrepreneurs with financial organizations to launch and grow local businesses. 

MoneyLaunch is a three-stage program, and will kick off March 29 with an educational and networking program that will include educational presentations, networking and information from multiple lenders and funding organizations that offer both conventional loans, grants and alternative financing options. 

The second phase will take place April 26 where lenders and funding organizations will hear business pitches and connect with organizations that can help with funding.

“In addition to education, the event is meant to help develop relationships between businesses and financial resource organizations with an ultimate goal to grow business locally,” said Valerie Byrnes, MAREC business incubator manager. 

Presentations at the March 29 event will include information on conventional financing, alternative lending options, SBA 504 Lending, Business Acceleration Grant Fund, SBIR/STTR grants, crowdfunding, and angel funding. There will also be an explanation of the resources available to assist with business planning for both new and existing businesses. Tickets for each session are $15. For a full program agenda or to register for the event go to www.gvsu.edu/marec. The registration deadline is Thursday, March 24.

The MoneyLaunch sponsors are Huntington Bank and Shelby State Bank. Huntington Bank will share their financing offerings including details on their microloan program that is being used by small businesses across the state. Shelby State Bank will share their community-based approach to lending while educating entrepreneurs on ways to leverage state programs. 

“We at Shelby State Bank are excited about the opportunity to be a part of Money$Launch and helping to educate existing and future business owners," said Robert Fisher, Shelby State Bank senior VP/senior lender. "It is our hope that we can be a strong part of the growth and expansion of area businesses.”

John Irwin, president of Huntington Bank, said: "At Huntington, we are passionate about supporting small business lending growth within our communities. We encourage business owners at all levels to take a closer look at how they can access capital to help realize their goals and aspirations."

Program partners include Muskegon Area First, Muskegon County and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) along with support from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Opportunity for Women (GROW) and the Small Business Administration and SCORE-Muskegon.

MAREC is a business innovation center that provides coaching, funding, networking and a synergistic work environment to help businesses and entrepreneurs maximize their growth potential. It is a key partner in the region's innovation ecosystem, supporting startup businesses, entrepreneurs and corporate innovation teams.

For more information, visit gvsu.edu/marec.