Business Growth Program (BGP)

 

The Business Growth Program (BGP) is a 10-week program offered by the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council to assist Wayne County-based businesses in leveraging their certification through education and business growth strategies.

Through this program, the small business owner will receive hands-on consulting to address key business challenges and determine strategies for business growth. Individuals will go through an educational process to prepare for viable opportunities. Through engagement, individuals will strengthen their business presentation skills, and engage with corporate members.

Program Structure

• Highly Engaging Instruction: 10 – weekly sessions consisting of business development and procurement in a small cohort
• Subject Matter Experts: Dynamic instruction provided by experienced and knowledgeable business and industry practitioners
• 1:1 Business Assistance: Business Consultant to help you craft your success journey
• Access to Opportunity: Introduction to Key Decision Makers (special matchmaker meetings)
• Business Financing: A pathway to apply for business capital following completion of the program

Eligibility

BGP is designed for owners/founders of businesses who meet the following criteria:

• Have been in operation for at least two years
• Generate a minimum of $250,000 in annual revenues
• 2 – 10 employees
• Possess at least one certification: WBE, MBE, or DBE

Interested candidates must apply to the program and may be subject to an interview.

For inquiries contact 734-677-1400

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Fall 2022 The Business Growth Program (BGP)

BGP concluded its Fall 2022 cohort with a Final Pitch And Graduation Recognition Celebration. Nine certified WBEs went through a 10-week immersion focused on leveraging their certification for a procurement opportunity. Subject matter experts consisting of certified diverse businesses, corporate members, and the Great Lakes WBC team provided training on topics such as the procurement process, identifying your target customer, building relationships, teaming, finance, and so many others.

Each BGP partner received coaching and developed a best-in-class toolkit featuring a capability statement and template for presentations. They concluded their cohort by presenting a 3-minute pitch to a panel of judges and received valuable feedback. The top two presentations Kayla Crawford of Knotless Kay and Carol Kirkland of AVE Solutions (based on judge ratings) were awarded a cash prize. The nine WBEs received a Certificate of Completion and two were acknowledged for Perfect Attendance. Each graduate will continue to receive coaching and schedule a 1:1 meeting with their target buyer. The relationships that were established within this cohort of diverse businesses will prove very beneficial beyond this program.

I want to give special kudos to the following:

• Lawrence Jackson, Business Counselor, who vetted this amazing cohort, coordinated the sessions, and provided counseling;
• Lori and Sherry, who provided program support including training and coaching;
• The Marketing & Engagement team for continued promotion;
• Veronica and LeCathy for building and maintaining those critical relationships with our members to presenting to the cohort;
• Our remarkable network of corporate members and WBEs who presented at the sessions;
• The Great Lakes WBC Team organization-wide, who shared a positive thought, spread the word, and smiled as we overlapped in the main areas those mean a lot too; and
• Last but not least, Michelle, our fearless leader, provided the vision, tireless support, and challenged us to go hard!

Two cohorts are forming as we speak, please share this amazing opportunity with a diverse certified business that is based in Wayne County.