small business

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.

Ypsilanti has been selected as one of six communities participating in Recast City's Recast Leaders Program, a new Southeastern Michigan cohort focused on strengthening local economies through small-scale manufacturing and product-based businesses. Lee Van Roth was joined by Recast City founder/CEO Ilana Preuss to discuss why Ypsilanti was selected for the program and what this work could mean for local businesses and residents.

As we begin to settle into the new year, the economy in America, and right here in Washtenaw County, is facing some uncertainties. On this month's edition of "Washtenaw Business Lens," we explore the issues and potential local impacts. WEMU's David Fair was joined by Andy LaBarre from the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber and Eastern Michigan University Associate Professor of Economics, Dr. Amanda Stype for a look at the business year ahead.

The holiday shopping season is well underway. For many small business owners and retailers, the month of December can determine whether they finish the year in the black. That’s where the notion of “Think Local First” can make a difference. How will it turn out in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti this year? WEMU's David Fair and A2Y Regional Chamber Executive Vice President Andy LaBarre find out in their talk with Ypsilanti DDA director Elize Jekabson and Ashley Schafer, the Executive Director of Main Street Ann Arbor.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday when, across the country, an emphasis is made to promote local businesses. Milan holds its annual "Pop on Main" event beginning in the morning. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

The financial forecast for the start of the holiday season among businesses along Ann Arbor’s Main Street is looking to be in the black for Black Friday. WEMU’s Ana Longoria reports.

The debate over marijuana is back this fall in Lima Township. Voters are being asked to allow commercial cannabis establishments within its borders. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.