Operations Resources

Guest expert Carlin Smith shares how small businesses can access free business intelligence provided by Consumers Energy's SizeUp program.

Do you know raise, hold or fold? Mike Nunneley from the Small Business Development Center tells us that you need to understand your current situation and Know Your Numbers first! Then, find a way to succeed.

Writing the plan forces you to see both the positive and negative aspects of this business venture, says Cheryl Hoffman, SCORE mentor. Learn about doing your research and developing a plan that will guide your business.

SCORE mentor Paul Krecke shares insights into the decision many entrepreneurs face: To LLC or Not to LLC!

SCORE mentor Tracy Dryovage offers advice for local businesses on where to get help.

As a Dairy Queen lover at heart, and growing up on blizzards and strawberry milkshakes, Dairy Queen was always a pit stop for Erika Kleeman, her two children and her parents. When the opportunity to work for herself and bought the thriving business presented itself years later, Erika Kleeman grabbed it .

Many business owners still struggle to find and keep employees, whether small businesses operate in-office (store or restaurant), virtually, or in a hybrid environment.  
As the nation continues to operate at nearly full employment, keeping your staff happy and onboard is even more difficult. Several recent surveys of U.S. employees reveal some challenges small business owners face and how they cope with them.

Rural small businesses face greater challenges to economic recovery and are less optimistic about the future compared to their non-rural counterparts, according to new survey data... Read more

Rural small businesses face greater challenges to economic recovery and are less optimistic about the future compared to their non-rural counterparts, according to new survey data... Read more

To help you see the benefit of mentorship, we asked entrepreneurs this question for their best insights gained as mentees. From owning your own mistakes to breaking big goals into small steps, several pieces of advice may help you shape your career and personal life into success, just like the entrepreneurs who shared them

If the past few years have taught small business owners anything, it’s the unpredictability of life. Assuming that your SMB weathered the pandemic, you are understandably concerned about shoring things up ahead of the next crisis. If you’re starting your own company, you’ll want to adopt a few tried-and-true practices to guard against the unexpected.

To ensure rural small business owners have all the facts regarding business structure, here is a quick guide to what entities are available for your rural business and how each can protect you from future legal nightmares.