Originally uploaded April 8th, re-edited July 3.
Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Michelle Beebe, Chief Revenue Officer of SBAM, the Small Business Association of Michigan, Lansing, 

Welcome Michelle, please share a bit of your career path that led to being the CRO for SBAM?       

The recent news we wanted you on to share about is that SBAM is set to launch new women-owned business certification
through partnership with Great Lakes Women’s Business Council, tell us about that?

SBAM also does small business certification, what does that entail?

Michelle, I understand you manage all products and services for SBAM so could you speak to general benefits too - anything that comes with being a member?

Didn't I read something about another recent offering – cybersecurity insurance?

Michigan Business Beat | Michelle Beebe, SBAM Launches New Women-Owned Business Certification

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] 
Chris Holman welcomes Nancy Marshall, Owner of Marshall Sales Incorporated, Detroit area, MI.

This is the first of four interviews in a series.
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Nancy:
What makes your business unique?
What are the biggest things you’ve learned as a woman business owner?
How did you learn about the SBAM fellowship?
Why did you decide to apply?
How did you feel when you heard you were accepted?
What are the biggest things you learned from the fellowship?

Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses

LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 businesses for the first cohort. The eight-month initiative will equip these second-stage, women-owned businesses with resources to overcome diverse challenges and scale their operations. Women-owned businesses are a vital part of Michigan's economy, representing 43.2% of the state's 902,131 small businesses—higher than the national average. Detroit, in particular, was ranked as the top U.S. metropolitan area for growth in women-owned businesses between 2014 and 2019.

Qualifying businesses have more than one employee in addition to the owner, have been in operation for at least two years, and generate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue. Here are the businesses that were selected for the inaugural cohort: ● Eagle Specialties, LLC ● Elderly Instruments ● Fido & Stitch ● Groovy Donuts ● Jungle Jane Promotions ● Marshall Holding ● Neuco Furniture & Upholstery ● Pioneer Machine and Technology, Inc ● The Betty Brigade ● Winsome Travel Design ● Wolverine Pickleball

To address these issues, the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship offers:

● One-on-one mentorship with established business leaders

● Monthly learning sessions on critical business topics

● Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders

● Guidance on accessing capital and growth resources

● Support in obtaining relevant business certifications

● Specialized courses on financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency

The program runs from November to June 2025 and is currently recruiting for 2025/26 cohorts. Interested women-owned small businesses can find more information on the WEF website or contact Kim Bode, WEF program director. The Women Entrepreneurial Fellowship is free of cost and funded by the Small Business Support Hub Grant Program in collaboration with the MEDC.

About SBAM Foundation: The SBAM Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that promotes small business growth in Michigan through education, research, and innovative programs.

Funding provided by the Small Business Support Hub Grant Program from the SBAM Foundation in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0127 awarded to the State of Michigan by the U.S. Department of the Treasury

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Michigan Business Beat | Nancy Marshall a member of SBAM's First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] 
Chris Holman welcomes Christy Howden; owner of Wolverine Pickleball, Ann Arbor, MI.
This is the third of four interviews in a series.
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Christy:

Welcome Christy, tell us about your business?

Pickleball is a growing industry and community, what have you faced in trying to introduce not only your business, but the sport itself, to audiences?

What are the biggest things you’ve learned as a woman business owner?

How did you learn about the fellowship?

Why did you decide to apply?

How did you feel when you heard you were accepted?

What would you say to women business owners who are considering applying for future cohorts?

Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses

LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 businesses for the first cohort. The eight-month initiative will equip these second-stage, women-owned businesses with resources to overcome diverse challenges and scale their operations. Women-owned businesses are a vital part of Michigan's economy, representing 43.2% of the state's 902,131 small businesses—higher than the national average. Detroit, in particular, was ranked as the top U.S. metropolitan area for growth in women-owned businesses.

“The launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is an exciting step toward ensuring that second-stage, women-owned businesses receive the targeted support they need to thrive, said Brian Calley, SBAM President & CEO. “This program will provide invaluable resources, from mentorship and business certifications to networking opportunities and access to capital, helping these entrepreneurs overcome the unique challenges they face.”

Qualifying businesses have more than one employee in addition to the owner, have been in operation for at least two years, and generate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue. Here are the businesses that were selected for the inaugural cohort: ● Eagle Specialties, LLC ● Elderly Instruments ● Fido & Stitch ● Groovy Donuts ● Jungle Jane Promotions ● Marshall Holding ● Neuco Furniture & Upholstery ● Pioneer Machine and Technology, Inc ● The Betty Brigade ● Winsome Travel Design ● Wolverine Pickleball

Recent data underscores the need for the support provided by this new program. Only 10% of women business owners report securing a small business loan, and women-owned businesses receive just 2.2% of all venture capital funding in the U.S. Operationally, 59% struggle with hiring and retaining qualified staff, while 80% face difficulties dealing with increased costs.

"Women-owned businesses in Michigan confront a multitude of challenges that hinder their growth potential," said Kim Bode, Program Director. "From financial constraints to operational difficulties, our fellowship is designed to address these issues comprehensively."

To address these issues, the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship offers:

● One-on-one mentorship with established business leaders

● Monthly learning sessions on critical business topics

● Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders

● Guidance on accessing capital and growth resources

● Support in obtaining relevant business certifications

● Specialized courses on financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency

Michigan Business Beat | Christy Howden a member of SBAM's First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] 
Chris Holman welcomes Lillian Werbin, CEO/Co-Owner, Elderly Instruments, East Lansing, MI.
This is the fourth of five interviews in a series.
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Lillian:

About Your Business 
● Welcome back Lillian, remind the Michigan business community about your business? 
● What is the importance of engaging and strengthening the community along with your business? 
● How have your past experiences helped you grow your company? 

Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship 
● How did you learn about the fellowship? 
● How did you feel when you heard you were accepted?

Impact 
● What are the biggest things you learned from the fellowship? 
● How has being a part of the fellowship impacted you and your business? 
● What would you say to women business owners who are considering applying for future cohorts?

Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses

LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 businesses for the first cohort. The eight-month initiative will equip these second-stage, women-owned businesses with resources to overcome diverse challenges and scale their operations. Women-owned businesses are a vital part of Michigan's economy, representing 43.2% of the state's 902,131 small businesses—higher than the national average. Detroit, in particular, was ranked as the top U.S. metropolitan area for growth in women-owned businesses.

“The launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is an exciting step toward ensuring that second-stage, women-owned businesses receive the targeted support they need to thrive, said Brian Calley, SBAM President & CEO. “This program will provide invaluable resources, from mentorship and business certifications to networking opportunities and access to capital, helping these entrepreneurs overcome the unique challenges they face.”

Qualifying businesses have more than one employee in addition to the owner, have been in operation for at least two years, and generate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue. Here are the businesses that were selected for the inaugural cohort: ● Eagle Specialties, LLC ● Elderly Instruments ● Fido & Stitch ● Groovy Donuts ● Jungle Jane Promotions ● Marshall Holding ● Neuco Furniture & Upholstery ● Pioneer Machine and Technology, Inc ● The Betty Brigade ● Winsome Travel Design ● Wolverine Pickleball

Recent data underscores the need for the support provided by this new program. Only 10% of women business owners report securing a small business loan, and women-owned businesses receive just 2.2% of all venture capital funding in the U.S. Operationally, 59% struggle with hiring and retaining qualified staff, while 80% face difficulties dealing with increased costs.

"Women-owned businesses in Michigan confront a multitude of challenges that hinder their growth potential," said Kim Bode, Program Director. "From financial constraints to operational difficulties, our fellowship is designed to address these issues comprehensively."

To address these issues, the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship offers:

● One-on-one mentorship with established business leaders

● Monthly learning sessions on critical business topics

● Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders

● Guidance on accessing capital and growth resources

● Support in obtaining relevant business certifications

● Specialized courses on financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency

Michigan Business Beat | Lillian Werbin a member of SBAM's First Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship!

[Kim Bode / 8ThirtyFour Integrated Communications' spotlight, participant in SBAM's Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship] 
Chris Holman welcomes back Jane Mitchell, MAS, CEO/Owner Jungle Jane Promotions, Lansing, MI.

This is the fifth of five interviews in a series.
There were several questions Chris wanted to find out from Jane:

● What makes your business unique?
● What are the biggest things you’ve learned as a woman business owner?
● What have been some successes/challenges you’ve faced in your business? 
● Speak about being part of the Inaugural Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship 

Small Business Association of Michigan Foundation Announces Inaugural Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship New Program Addresses Multiple Challenges for Second-Stage, Women-Owned Businesses

LANSING, Mich. – The SBAM Foundation (SBAMF), supported by its parent organization, the Small Business Association of Michigan, has launched its Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship (WEF) program and chosen 11 businesses for the first cohort. The eight-month initiative will equip these second-stage, women-owned businesses with resources to overcome diverse challenges and scale their operations. Women-owned businesses are a vital part of Michigan's economy, representing 43.2% of the state's 902,131 small businesses—higher than the national average. Detroit, in particular, was ranked as the top U.S. metropolitan area for growth in women-owned businesses.

“The launch of the Women’s Entrepreneurial Fellowship is an exciting step toward ensuring that second-stage, women-owned businesses receive the targeted support they need to thrive, said Brian Calley, SBAM President & CEO. “This program will provide invaluable resources, from mentorship and business certifications to networking opportunities and access to capital, helping these entrepreneurs overcome the unique challenges they face.”

Qualifying businesses have more than one employee in addition to the owner, have been in operation for at least two years, and generate a minimum of $500,000 in annual revenue. Here are the businesses that were selected for the inaugural cohort: ● Eagle Specialties, LLC ● Elderly Instruments ● Fido & Stitch ● Groovy Donuts ● Jungle Jane Promotions ● Marshall Holding ● Neuco Furniture & Upholstery ● Pioneer Machine and Technology, Inc ● The Betty Brigade ● Winsome Travel Design ● Wolverine Pickleball

Recent data underscores the need for the support provided by this new program. Only 10% of women business owners report securing a small business loan, and women-owned businesses receive just 2.2% of all venture capital funding in the U.S. Operationally, 59% struggle with hiring and retaining qualified staff, while 80% face difficulties dealing with increased costs.

"Women-owned businesses in Michigan confront a multitude of challenges that hinder their growth potential," said Kim Bode, Program Director. "From financial constraints to operational difficulties, our fellowship is designed to address these issues comprehensively."

To address these issues, the Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship offers:

● One-on-one mentorship with established business leaders

● Monthly learning sessions on critical business topics

● Networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders

● Guidance on accessing capital and growth resources

● Support in obtaining relevant business certifications

● Specialized courses on financial management, marketing, and operational efficiency

"The Women's Entrepreneurial Fellowship addresses the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Michigan,” said Amy Rencher, Senior Vice President of Small Business Services at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “Through its targeted $73 million investment, the Small Business Support Hubs program exemplifies our economic development strategy's commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive business ecosystem across the state.

Michigan Business Beat | Jungle Jane Mitchell, Three Decade Evolving Entrepreneur SBAM Women Cohort

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