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Bay Future | Bay Future Focus: November 2022

November 1, 2022

Michigan Business Network

President & CEO’s Message

Last month, we finalized the awards for the Bay County Small Business Grant Program, distributing approximately $1 Million to 141 Bay County Small Businesses.

67% of eligible businesses who applied were awarded grants with an average grant amount of just over $7,000 in reimbursement funding. Businesses from throughout Bay County’s geography benefitted from this program with 66% of award recipients being minority owned, women owned, or veteran owned small businesses that were disproportionately impacted by the effects of COVID-19.

A full list of grant awardees can be viewed here.

We’re thankful again to the Bay County Board of Commissioners for their support in allocating American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding to this initiative and to our Grant Review Committee comprised of Bay Future, Inc. Board of Directors members, community business leaders, and business professionals, for meticulously reviewing and scoring applications.

Today, we’re excited to announce the implementation of the 3rd initiative in the $2 Million Proposal to support Bay County Small Businesses, with the hire of a Small Business Development Center Consultant for Bay County. Continue reading to learn more about this experienced individual and her extensive background!

The businesses listed as awardees are among the more than 200+ applicants that will all benefit from meeting and working with the new small business consultant aimed at helping our small business and entrepreneurial community recover from the lingering effects of COVID-19.

This initiative will help businesses address the ongoing challenges brought about by the pandemic and subsequent economic fall out, as well as provide our local businesses and entrepreneurs with access to resources to help them build a solid foundation for growth in Bay County for years to come!

Happy reading,

-Trevor Keyes, EDFP

President & CEO

Bay Future, Inc.

Featured Content

The Michigan Small Business Development Center and Bay Future welcome Michelle Judd to the Team

The Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) and Bay Future, Inc. are excited to welcome Michelle Judd to the team as a contractor working as a Business Consultant for Bay County residents and small businesses. The position was made possible through a collaboration with Bay Future, Inc. and Bay County, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

Michelle is a proud Bay County resident and joins the team with 30 years of experience in marketing and management in the publishing, hospitality, and retail industries. After working as a publisher for some time, she returned to her roots and her family’s businesses, Bay City Boat Lines and Bay City Antiques Center, in Bay City where she holds the roles of co-owner, manager, and marketer. Bay City Boat Lines, a large charter boat operation, just completed its 25th season and the Bay City Antiques Center, Michigan’s largest antique mall, has been going strong since 1989. Over the last few years, Michelle has begun sharing her experiences with younger generations as a faculty member at Saginaw Valley State University, where she earned her Masters in Business Administration, and at Northwood University, where she teaches courses in marketing, advertising strategy, management and family business.

“It is my great honor to join Bay Future and the Lake Huron Region Michigan Small Business Development Center at Saginaw Valley State University, as a consultant focused on serving small businesses in Bay County. I look forward to harnessing the resources of both organizations to make a difference for business owners who want to create a startup, stay in business or grow their company in this community.

Having worked alongside my family in the operation of several local companies for many years now, I understand both the great joy and the many challenges that small businesses experience and I look forward to helping others reach their goals,” said Judd.

View Full Press Release

Trevor Keyes – Michigan Business Beat Interview

Jeffrey Mosher, from the Michigan Business Network, welcomed back Trevor Keyes, President & CEO of Bay Future, Inc., to the Michigan Business Beat!

Trevor shared highlights from the Summer and what to look forward to this Fall with Bay Future, Inc., Bay County, and Bay City. Listen Here

Bay County Featured in Business Facilities: September/October Issue

Business Facilities is a national publication that has been the leading location source for corporate site selectors and economic development professionals for more than 50 years. Check out the September/October 2022 Issue Here! View BFI Ad Here!

Monitor Township Printer Relies on a Unique Workforce to Build its Business

In 1989, co-owners Kim and John Gillman started the company in Merrill, along with now retired, former business partner Dennis Barthel. After 17 years, they moved the growing business to a 60,000-square-foot building at 4177 Three Mile Road.

ATS has involved itself with populations that sometimes have a hard time finding jobs. ATS hires high school co-ops and Bay-Arenac ISD students. It works with Do-All Inc. and other alternate staffing arrangements to find people willing to handle the detailed and nuisance work built into the custom apparel business.

While the company seeks to help people by providing jobs for some who might have trouble finding employment elsewhere, it’s not a one-way street. Some of the jobs at ATS are tough to fill. Many people don’t want to do repetitive, task-oriented jobs such as packing, box building, or cleaning. Read Full Article