Battle Creek
Entrepreneur Education programs launch in West Michigan
Northern Initiatives continues its mission of supporting Battle Creek businesses with new programs designed specifically for early stage entrepreneurs. A Business Discovery Cohort is forming; applications are due by Feb. 22.
The Entrepreneur Education programs include a Business Discovery Cohort of up to 10 people who will meet regularly for lessons, as well as utilizing the resources in Northern Initiatives’ online learning portal. Other future opportunities include plans for a coworking space, networking events and public workshops. The program will have an emphasis on helping marginalized entrepreneurs, including People of Color, women, and those who are low to moderate income.
Entrepreneurs in Battle Creek a can apply for the Entrepreneur Education program here: https://northerninitiatives.org/getconnected. Businesses can be in any stage from idea to currently operating and there is no cost to participate. The deadline to apply is Feb. 22; the first cohort will meet online beginning March 1. Meetings will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m.
Justin Andert and Jenny Mualhlun, who spent the last three years fostering the Morning Light Program in southwest Michigan, will be leading Northern Initiatives’ Entrepreneur Education programs in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Andert has experience in business development, project management, communications, banking and web development and is also the founder of Color the Creek, a grassroots public art and placemaking project in Battle Creek. Mualhlun is the founder of the Burmese Business Hub in Battle Creek and serves on the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission. She’s also experienced in public speaking, leadership coaching, economic development, and program management.
The Entrepreneur Education Series is supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
Businesses taking part in the Entrepreneur Education Series can expect to grow their knowledge of business planning, how to determine their target market, setting financial goals, and business management, as well as steps to profitability, and how to launch a business.
Northern Initiatives also plans to create additional opportunities within the Battle Creek community with the goal of creating a local culture that supports entrepreneurship and small business. There will be a series of community events, workshops, marketing opportunities, and business showcase events. Plans are in the works for Battle Creek office space that can be used for entrepreneurial coworking and host community gatherings aimed at entrepreneurial education.
