Small Business Association of Michigan

10/16/2026

Being a middle manager means leading in two directions at once.

You’re responsible for supporting your team while meeting expectations from leadership, managing competing priorities and navigating the difficult conversations that come with being in the middle.

In the SBAM Academy live webinar, “The Middle Manager Balancing Act: Leading Up, Leading Down & Everything In Between,” participants will explore practical strategies for handling the challenges that come with this unique role.

You’ll learn how to:
• Build trust and set clear expectations with your team
• Communicate effectively with leadership and advocate for your team
• Navigate difficult conversations and workplace conflict
• Manage competing priorities and expectations
• Balance the needs of your team with the needs of the organization

Whether you’re new to management or looking to strengthen your approach, you’ll leave with tools you can apply to your day-to-day leadership challenges.

Join us on November 5 at 11:00 a.m. Register through SBAM Academy: https://www.pathlms.com/sbam/courses/344743

10/16/2026

Have questions about hiring from talent pools you haven't worked with before?

Ask them.

The MI Hidden Talent Workshop will feature interactive Hidden Talent Labs, creating space for candid questions, practical conversations and new perspectives on finding and supporting talent.

November 16 | East Lansing

Come ready to learn, ask questions and discover talent in unexpected places. https://bit.ly/4jk0pfS

10/15/2026

As Coach Bridget McDonald prepared to open Kendo Gymnastics & Cheer, she looked for every opportunity to strengthen her business and better serve her community.

Through SBAM Energy Solutions, she learned about energy-efficiency resources available through DTE Energy and encourages other business owners to explore what's available to them.

"Anything that I can do to create the best outcomes for the community I serve is worth the effort."

Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/47lO0Ba

10/15/2026

Is your business prepared for a cyberattack?

From protecting personally identifiable information to implementing cybersecurity best practices and understanding cyber insurance options, SBAM’s Small Business Cybersecurity Guide provides practical guidance every small business owner should know.

Assess your risk. Strengthen your defenses. Protect your business.
Download the guide: https://bit.ly/4yBT4NN

10/14/2026

What a great evening in Kalamazoo!

Thank you to everyone who came out for at Lawton Ridge Winery. We loved seeing local small business owners connect, catch up and enjoy conversations with one another.

Thanks to Lawton Ridge Winery for hosting us, and we hope to see everyone again soon!

Learn more about our events here: https://bit.ly/3SSJ6HW

10/14/2026

Our partners at the Michigan Green Building Collaborative (MiGBC) have extended the deadline for their 2026 Leadership Awards through October 16!

There’s still time to recognize the people, projects and organizations advancing sustainable, healthy and high-performing buildings across Michigan.

Nominations are open for six award categories:

Energy Award
Water Award
Transportation Award
Regenerative Design Award
Changemaker Award
Leadership Award

Don’t miss the extended deadline: October 16, 2026.

Learn more and submit a nomination: https://bit.ly/4AX1Qav

10/13/2026

Yesterday, SBAM President and CEO Brian Calley joined leaders in Grand Rapids at the Council of Michigan Foundations Conference for a conversation about how Michigan philanthropy can evolve in response to rapid economic change.

The discussion explored economic opportunity, workforce challenges, entrepreneurship and the role community investment can play in improving outcomes for Michiganders.

We’re proud to bring the small business perspective to conversations helping shape Michigan’s economic future.

10/13/2026

Running a business shouldn't feel like a constant struggle to keep everyone aligned and moving in the same direction.

There's still time to register for Get a Grip on Your Business: A 3-Part Workshop with EOS Worldwide implementor, Jeremy Lopatin.

In this hands-on series, you'll learn practical tools to help you:

✔ Build a clear company vision
✔ Strengthen accountability across your organization
✔ Ensure the right people are in the right seats
✔ Track performance with meaningful scorecards
✔ Solve business challenges before they become bigger problems

If you're looking for proven ways to strengthen your business and improve results, this workshop series is for you.

📅 October 20, November 3, and November 17 at 11:00 a.m.

Save your seat today: https://bit.ly/4gA5fEd

10/12/2026

Welcome to today's Small Business Briefing with Jacob Manning and Parker Havard.

10/12/2026

Cybersecurity, liability and business preparedness belong in the same conversation.

Tomorrow at 1 p.m. ET, SensCy will bring together cybersecurity and legal perspectives to help business leaders better understand risk, responsibilities and readiness before an incident occurs.

Registration is still open. https://senscy.com/cyber-risk-beyond-it/

Join McDonald Hopkins Counsel Kate Furstenau and David Behen for a practical discussion about managing cyber risk from both a cybersecurity and legal perspective.