Muskegon Innovation Hub launches expo for small businesses, entrepreneurs

Small business owners and entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to network, share insights and explore a variety of resources during the Lakeshore Business Growth Expo, hosted by the Muskegon Innovation Hub at GVSU.

The inaugural, free event will be held November 5, with doors opening at 4 p.m.

“The Hub’s mission is to drive innovation and economic growth across the Muskegon Lakeshore and surrounding region,” said Jen Wakely, assistant director of Community and Programming at the Muskegon Innovation Hub. 

“We’re proud to host events like the Lakeshore Business Growth Expo, which give local entrepreneurs and small businesses direct access to the people, programs and tools that can accelerate their success.”

Attendees can meet with vendors, discover resources to support business growth and participate in breakout sessions on key topics such as strategic planning, financing and artificial intelligence in marketing. They can also register for one-on-one consultations to receive personalized guidance for their startup or small business.

The expo complements the Michigan Small Business Development Center’s business resource fair held earlier in Grand Rapids and offers a similar opportunity for Lakeshore-area residents, said Ed Garner, regional director of the Michigan Small Business Development Center. 

“We’ve seen growing demand for the topics and services featured at the (Grand Rapids) event and wanted to bring this opportunity to the Lakeshore area,” Garner said. 

The event is organized by a coalition of entrepreneurial ecosystem partners, including the Muskegon Innovation Hub; Greater Muskegon Economic Development; Grow; Left Coast Capital Resources; the Michigan SBDC; the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce; Northern Initiatives; SCORE business counselors; and the Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg.

Visit the Muskegon Innovation Hub website to register or learn more about the event.