October Events
There’s a lot happening at SBAM this October, with plenty of opportunities to connect, learn and invest in your business. Hear from Mikayla Ewalt and Andrea Thelen from our events team as they share a look at what’s coming up this month and how you can get involved.
O2O Event – Oakland Region
October 7 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm ET Royal Oak
Please join us on October 7, 2026, in Royal Oak for our next SBAM Owner2Owner (O2O) event, hosted by Bamboo Royal Oak.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow small business owners, hear a brief update from the SBAM team, and network in a vibrant coworking space designed to help entrepreneurs and growing businesses thrive through collaboration and community. It’s a great opportunity to build new connections and exchange ideas with business owners from across the region.
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O2O Event – Kalamazoo Region
October 13 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm ET Kalamazoo
Please join us on October 13, 2026, in Kalamazoo for our next SBAM Owner2Owner (O2O) event, hosted by Lawton Ridge Winery. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow small business owners, exchange ideas and build relationships with others from across the Kalamazoo region. Kelli Saunders, SBAM’s Vice President of Policy & Engagement, will also share an update on the new unemployment laws and how they could impact your business.
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O2O Event – Washtenaw Region
October 27 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm ET Ann Arbor
Please join us on October 27, 2026, in Ann Arbor for our next SBAM Owner2Owner (O2O) event, hosted by EOS Ann Arbor.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow small business owners, hear a brief update from the SBAM team, and participate in a short educational session led by EOS Implementer® Jeremy Lopatin on building stronger, more aligned teams. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable insights while networking with business owners from across the region.
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O2O Event – Kent Region
November 5 | 4:00pm – 6:00pm ET Grand Rapids
Join us November 5 in Grand Rapids for our next SBAM Owner2Owner (O2O) event, hosted by Green Giftz. Connect with fellow small business owners, hear an update from the SBAM team, and learn more about Green Giftz and its creative approach to branded merchandise, sustainability, and meaningful brand connections. It’s a great opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and connect with small business owners from across the Kent Region.
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MI Hidden Talent Workshop
November 16 | 9:30am – 4:00pm ET East Lansing
Hidden Talent, Real Opportunity
Learn how Michigan employers are successfully recruiting, hiring and retaining talent from overlooked talent pools – including neurodivergent individuals, returning citizens, veterans and others – while improving workforce outcomes and strengthening their businesses.
Building a stronger workforce by expanding the ways we recruit, hire, support, and retain talent. |
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SBAM ACADEMY
Invest in your business without stepping away from it. SBAM Academy connects small business owners with expert-led webinars covering leadership, HR, sales, marketing, operations, and more. Browse this month’s upcoming learning opportunities and find the topics most relevant to your business. |
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 The Great Lakes Advantage: How Michigan Small Businesses Can Win in International Markets
October 13, 2026 | 11:00am ET Live Webinar
Expanding into international markets can create new opportunities for growth. In this informative webinar, participants will learn how to assess export readiness, identify promising global markets, and build a strategy for international expansion. Attendees will gain practical insights into market entry planning, cross-cultural business practices, and export resources available to Michigan businesses, leaving with a roadmap for taking the next steps toward global growth with confidence. |
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 Get a Grip on Your Business: Part 1 of A 3-Part Workshop
October 20, 2026 | 11:00am ET Live Webinar
Build a stronger foundation for your business with Part 1 of this three-part workshop series. Designed for business owners with 10 or more employees, this session introduces practical tools to help you create a clear vision, strengthen accountability, improve team alignment, and gain better control of business performance. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for building a healthier, more focused organization and preparing for long-term growth. |
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