Hello All,
The program I am working with this summer is called the Osborn Neighborhood Alliance. At ONA, I work with its small business wing called Osborn Business Association led by Paul Garrison (UM Alum!). OBA is a small but mighty organization that looks to provide the needed services to small business within the neighborhood. OBA gives its participants a six-week business program where they learn how to put their ideas into existence.
This summer, I will be creating a directory for small businesses and OBA. As of right now, most of the small business are unaware of businesses in their community and that lack of knowledge limits possibilities of growth for some. Many businesses have the potential to collab on ideas but are not aware of the business’ existence. To make this directory thorough, I am contacting the owners in an attempt to hear their stories on how they view their businesses. From my conversation so far, I have heard a lot of ideas and am excited to allow others in the community to know they exist.
It’s definitely a great way for communities to build themselves up from within. With a networking services I believe OBA will be connected with many more small businesses in the city. Good luck!
That is so cool. If they can get funding for this, I believe it might be a good add on to do a pitch competition at the end of the six week course and give seed money to the winner.
This sounds so awesome! It’s really cool that they’re supporting and teaching people how to kick-start a small business. It’s something the city needs to see more of especially considering all of the big corporations moving in that are enticed with huge tax breaks.