small business

High fuel prices and added costs because of tariffs are making things difficult for a lot of people in Michigan. As Russ McNamara reports, that’s especially true for small businesses.

The administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration, Kelly Loeffler, was in Livingston County Tuesday to check out a government contractor. As Russ McNamara reports, the stop was well-received.

A number of Ann Arbor businesses have started to phase out using single-use plastics. Not only has this lowered their operational costs, it's beneficial to many local environmental initiatives. Phillis Engelbert, owner/operator of Detroit Filling Station in Ann Arbor, is among these entrepreneurs leading the way in working towards zero waste. She talks more about her actions and how others can follow her example with Rebekah Warren.

The City of Ann Arbor is moving to develop a decarbonization program for commercial businesses to advance its A2ZERO Carbon Neutrality plan. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

A food organization in Ypsilanti is fostering future food entrepreneurs by expanding its kitchen operations. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the story.

With changes coming through Ann Arbor’s new Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), city officials want a plan to prevent people and businesses from being displaced in the process. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s newest annual report for the past fiscal year shows continued investment and growth in its business incubation efforts in Ypsilanti. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the details.

Starting a new business—even a small business—takes a lot of work and resources. Fortunately, Ann Arbor SPARK East in Ypsilanti is there to provide such resources with its Small Business Support Hub. Lee Van Roth talked all about what the program does for budding entrepreneurs with Ann Arbor SPARK's director of entrepreneurial services, Kristine Nash-Wong.

Inside a shared commercial kitchen in Ypsilanti, Growing Hope is helping local food entrepreneurs turn ideas into sustainable livelihoods, offering not only space, but support, mentorship, and community. Among the graduates of Growing Hope's "Incubator Kitchen" program is Eric Kinsler-Holloway, owner/operator of EK's Cheesecakes. He shares his culinary success story with Lee Van Roth for this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently gave her final State of the State address. Politics and policy most certainly have an impact on the health and well-being of the business community. Rich Chang is the Chief of Staff of Blumira, a Washtenaw County-based cyber security firm. He joined WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre to talk about how the business community is faring through political uncertainty.