Featured Events

2019 Pay Trends Executive Briefing

Wednesday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The U.S. economy has added jobs for 106 consecutive months. For Michigan, this has translated into a competitive labor market for employers looking to attract and retain key talent. However, despite the low unemployment and growing economy, wage growth for many has been modest at best. This may be changing. Recent data suggests that employees may finally be reaping the rewards of the expanding economy. This informative session will shed light on recent wage trends and provide highlights from the 2019 ASE Compensation Surveys. The session will also examine the necessary components of an effective compensation program.

This executive briefing will include a review of:

• Salary movement
• Variable compensation
• Economic conditions affecting wages and salaries
• The keys to compensation program effectiveness

Location: Macomb County Planning & Economic Development, 1 S, Main, 7th Floor, Mount Clemens

Michigan Defense Connect

Supplier Application now open!

Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC), Macomb County Planning & Economic Development and the Michigan Defense Center are hosting Michigan Defense Connect, an initiative connecting suppliers directly with defense company purchasing teams to discuss their immediate procurement opportunities, on Thursday, September 26 in Macomb County.

Attendance and participation will be limited to approved suppliers. An application is now available for qualified Michigan suppliers to apply for one-on-one meetings with purchasers at the event.  Please note that submitting a supplier application for one-on-one meetings does not guarantee attendance and participation.  Additional event details will be communicated upon supplier approval and selection by purchasing companies.  If you are interested in meeting with purchasing companies including those listed below, please complete your supplier application here.

In order to be considered for the one-on-one meetings and general event attendance, please complete your application as early as possible. If you have questions on the application process, please contact Katy Till at tillk1@michigan.org

Hall of Fame Awards Ceremony 2019

Thursday, August 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Macomb Foundation presents the Hall of Fame Awards, a premier event in Macomb County. The Hall of Fame Award Ceremony continues a tradition to honor individuals, civic groups, communities and companies who have made outstanding contributions to our community in improving the economic, family and community life of our citizens.

​Join us for an exclusive reception, lavish dinner, entertainment and silent auction. Proceeds aid in the Macomb Foundation, a 501 (c) organization, in providing education and support programs throughout the local communities that we proudly serve.

This years nominees are:

• Anne Nicolazzo​, Anne Nicolazzo Photography
• Pete Sr. & Pete Jr. Beauregard, Colony Marine
• ​Tom Brisse, McLaren Macomb
• Dr. Anthony Colucci, Henry Ford Health Systems
• Bill and Matthew Jarvis, Jarvis Property Restoration
• ​Helen Hicks, ​Habitat for Humanity

Location: Villa Penna, 43985 Hayes Rd., Sterling Heights

Small Business, Big Threat - The Facts Behind the Cyber Buzzwords - Webinar

Tuesday, August 27 from 11 a.m. to noon
You've read about them on the news, you've heard about them in meetings, and maybe you've even used some of them yourself. But do you really know what some of the top ten technology buzzwords mean for your small business? Join us for a walkthrough of commonly discussed, yet frequently misunderstood concepts in cyber security. We’ll cover hot topics in technology, ask a few poll questions of the audience, and give you time for question and answer with the Michigan SBDC’s Cyber Security Awareness Program Specialist, Scott Taber. You'll leave the webinar with: 1. Easy to understand definitions of cyber buzzwords for non-technological entrepreneurs 2. Explanations of why these topics matter for your small business 3. Key steps you can easily implement in your small business
Location: Webinar

Writing A Business Plan - Webinar

Wednesday, August 28 from 11 a.m. to noon
Do you want to launch or grow your business in 2019? Join us as we guide you through researching and writing each piece of a successful business plan. This webinar is designed for entrepreneurs who are looking to write a business plan for the first time, or already have a plan they would like to improve. We’ll walk you through about 40 minutes of the most important tools and information to use when writing a successful business plan, pausing for audience questions and feedback along the way. We have reserved 20 minutes for a live question and answer session, in which one of our certified small business consultants will answer questions from the audience on a first come, first served basis. After the webinar, you will receive a copy of the webinar recording, as well as sample business plan templates, and other resources.
Location: Webinar

Small Business, Big Threat - Mobile Device Safety and Security - Webinar

Thursday, August 29 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Do you know the risks associated using mobile devices for business? Join us as we discuss the importance of mobile device security and how it can protect your business. We’ll walk you through a quick-paced webinar, ask a few poll questions of the audience, and give you time for question and answer with the Michigan SBDC’s Cyber Security Awareness Program Specialist, Scott Taber. You'll leave the webinar with: 1. Easy to understand examples of these tips and tricks 2. Explanations of why these topics matter for your small business 3. Key steps you can easily implement in your small business
Location: Webinar

Introduction to Marketing Your Business - Webinar

Wednesday, September 4 from 11 a.m. to noon
This is a basic introduction to marketing for small businesses. Does your marketing strategy target your greatest opportunities for increases sales and achieving a competitive advantage? There is much more to marketing than having a couple of social media accounts and an email newsletter. In this webinar, we’ll discuss market analysis and research, competitive analysis and position, as well as product price, placement, and promotion, and finish up with strategy implementation. We have reserved 20 minutes for a live question and answer session, in which one of our certified small business consultants will answer questions from the audience on a first come, first served basis. After the webinar, you will receive a copy of the webinar recording, as well as sample business plan templates, and other resources.
Location: Webinar

Starting a Business ENTR-8000

Monday, September 9 and Wednesday September 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:55 p.m.
Explore what it takes to start your own business. Find out what to do first, how much money you will need, and where to go for help.
Location: Macomb Community College Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township

Reach Customers Online with Google - Webinar

Tuesday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to noon
Learn how customers find your business online and how to promote your business using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Smart Campaigns in Google Ads. In this workshop we’ll discuss best practices for: Improving your website’s visibility in Google’s organic search results, on all devices Creating a free Google My Business listing Advertising your business on Google. Speaker(s): Erin Bemis, IOM Google-supported trainer
Location: Webinar

Get to Know Your Chamber

Wednesday, September 11 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Please join us for our quarterly GET TO KNOW YOUR CHAMBER, a special event that helps newer Macomb County Chamber Members connect with the staff of the chamber. We explain all the working parts of your Chamber and help you navigate your membership. You will also have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business! ​*This is a quarterly event for NEW MEMBERS ONLY in the past 90 days or PROSPECT MEMBERS*
Location: First State Bank - Clinton Township, 41240 Hayes Rd.

Going Pro Talent Fund Information Session for Employers

Wednesday, September 11 at 9 a.m.
Over 29 million dollars was awarded by the State of Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund for the fiscal year 2019.

What are the benefits of receiving a Going PRO Talent Fund award?

• Ensures your company has the talent needed to compete and grow
• Develops employee growth opportunities with training and re-training
• Addresses skills shortages based on employers’ needs
• Enhances talent attraction, productivity, and retention

To find out more information about this competitive grant please attend an informational session hosted by Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!

Location: Robert Verkuilen Building, 21885 Dunham Rd., Assembly Room A&B, Clinton Township

Introduction to Federal Government Contracting - 101

Thursday, September 12 from 9 a.m. to 12:30
The federal government purchased in FY 2017 approximately $501 billion dollars of goods and services. If you re interested in diversifying your business into the federal government marketplace, find out what you need to do to get started. You will learn about the services and continuous support the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) has available to help your company with the contracting process. Additional Topics to be covered are: Overview of PTAC Initial Considerations Getting Registered Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Programs Certifications Doing Business with the Federal Government Finding Opportunities Contract Administration Where do I go from here? WHO SHOULD ATTEND? Management and key players who will support and facilitate government contracting within your company. Please Note: To register for this training your company must be located in Macomb County.
Location: Macomb Community College, MTEC, 7900 Tank Ave., Room 138, Warren

Team SBA Financing Roundtable

Thursday, September 12 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
Before you apply for a business loan, first attend a free financing roundtable. We will debunk the myths and demystify the process of small business financing. The "team" is a banker, an SBA representative, an SBA business counselor, and business owners like you. You will get first hand information on what credit criteria your banker has. The team will answer all of your financing questions and give you advice on what steps to take to achieve your goal of starting or expanding a business. We will explain how the SBA loan guarantee can work for you. The roundtables are best suited for those who have good credit, a solid business idea, and some money to invest in the business.
Location: Macomb-OU Incubator, Velocity Collaboration Center, 6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights

State of Harrison Township 2019

Friday, September 13 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Join us as we welcome Harrison Township Supervisor Kenneth Verkest, who will provide a forecast of the exciting and wonderful things happening in Harrison Township.
Location: Location TBD

Business Plan: Roadmap to Success ENTR-8013

Mondays, September 16 - October 21 from 6 p.m. to 8:55 p.m.
Develop a comprehensive business plan. Define a target market, identify competitors, develop an operating budget, and ascertain financing needs. A team of experts will analyze business plans and offer recommendations. 
Location: Macomb Community College Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township

Coffee Connection

Wednesday, September 18 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Join us at Austin Catholic High School for a Macomb Chamber Coffee Connection. This is a wonderful opportunity to network with your fellow Macomb Chamber Members and find all of the exciting things happening with the students and staff at Austin Catholic High.
Location: Austin Catholic High School, 25925 23 Mile Rd., Chesterfield Twp.

DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) - 101

Thursday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to 12:30
Doing business with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) can be a great way to grow your business and gain entry into the federal marketplace. DLA is the Department of Defense' largest combat support agency providing worldwide logistics support to America's Military Services, civilian agencies and foreign countries in both peacetime and wartime. DLA is responsible for nearly every consumable item used by our military forces worldwide to include medical supplies, aviation requirements, land and maritime weapon systems spare parts, critical troop-support items involving food, clothing and textiles, construction equipment, material, fuel and depot level re-parables. DLA has a web-based application called DIBBS that provides you with the ability to conduct market research by viewing award data, procurement histories and forecasts; filter your opportunity searches; access technical data packages (drawings) in the CFolders and submit secure quotes on line. Topics to be covered: Basic Pre-requisites Market Research DLA Overview DIBBS Overview Access to Technical Data Packages with Export Controls and Joint Certification Program (JCP) How to Find Opportunities in DIBBS How to submit a Quote in DIBBS
Location: Macomb Community College, MTEC, 7900 Tank Ave., Room 138, Warren

Starting a Business

Thursday, September 19 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
A Half-Day No-Cost Event for entrepreneurs, new business owners and innovators WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This workshop is designed for individuals who are at the beginning stages of starting a business. TOPICS INCLUDE: • Assessing your readiness for entrepreneurship • Steps for starting a business • Introduction to writing a business plan • Tools to determine start-up costs and operating expenses • Local resources and recommendations
Location:  Eastpointe City Hall, Council Chambers, 23200 Gratiot, Eastpointe

Business by the Bay 

Thursday, September 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Guest speaker: Macomb County Clerk, Fred Miller
Location: Brandenburg Park 50050 Jefferson, Chesterfield Twp.

Marketing Strategies That Work ENTR-8023

Wednesday, October 23, Monday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 30 from 6 p.m. to 8:55 p.m.
Investigate competitive strategies that attract customers. Explore niche marketing, research the best marketing opportunities, and learn how to enter new markets.
Location: Macomb Community College Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township