Great Lakes Wire

Twenty-nine organizations in Michigan with social or community-based missions are participating in a new program designed to support their growth and connect more residents with employment opportunities. The initiative is a joint effort between the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and Incompass Michigan.

The selected organizations have received grants that allow them to take part in training workshops on subjects such as financing, branding, and data-driven growth strategies. They also receive vouchers for technical assistance from experts and each organization will get a custom promotional video to help communicate its mission and attract talent.

Tonya Elias of Brookelyn Elias Promise, a youth empowerment group based in Wyoming, commented: “The Center for Social Enterprise Development kickoff was a powerful moment of clarity and connection for Brookelyn Elias Promise. It reaffirmed our belief that social enterprise is not just a business model—it’s a pathway to deeper, more sustainable impact. The support from the Social Enterprise Collective is equipping us with the strategic insight and peer collaboration we need to evolve our work and expand our reach. We’re honored to be part of a community that’s reimagining what service and innovation can look like.”

Jill R. Bonthuis, MSW, CEO of Pioneer Resources, added: “The Center for Social Enterprise Development kickoff was truly inspirational.  I developed an even greater appreciation for the possibilities that a social enterprise might hold and how it could strengthen and diversify the impact of Pioneer Resources. And I had the chance to connect with some amazing people!  The knowledge and connections I gained will be a lasting benefit to our agency and those we serve.”

Participants in this first Social Enterprise Collective represent communities across Michigan, including Hancock in the Upper Peninsula; Midland; Muskegon; Pontiac; Clinton Township; Flint; and other areas throughout Southeast Michigan.

Incompass Michigan serves as a statewide network for human service providers focused on promoting independence and inclusive communities for individuals facing barriers such as disabilities.