I receive many questions on where to find help if you’re considering starting a business or have simply plateaued when it comes to growth.
The Detroit region is fortunate to have many colleges and universities devoting resources to supporting business owners as they chase their entrepreneurial dreams.
Additionally, there are many small business incubators, i.e. TechTown, where you can leverage available resources.
However, when it comes to understanding these available resources, many small business owners aren’t aware of what colleges and universities offer. These institutions offer many essential resources as well.
For example, Troy-based, Walsh College, is a leader in the entrepreneurial space. The Walsh Business Institute offers face-to face and online services, programs and educational tools to assist you–no matter the phase of your business.
I recently had a conversation with Tara Miceli, Director, Walsh Business Institute, for insights pertaining to available resources offered by the Institute.
Please provide background information on the Walsh Institute.
The Walsh Institute is Walsh College’s direct connection to the business community, offering education, networking and skills enhancement with practical application. Providing professional education and certifications, customized training and entrepreneurship guidance, the Walsh Institute seeks to empower entrepreneurs and businesses of every size with the knowledge, skills and support to build business success.
How does the Institute benefit aspiring and/or existing entrepreneurs? And what programs and/or services are available?
The Walsh College Business Launch online community is a national platform for any entrepreneur to vet their existing business or business idea. By signing up, entrepreneurs will be provided with resources and expertise to help them explore the world of entrepreneurism. Open to the general public, interested parties can sign up to be a part of the Walsh College Business Launch online community for free by visiting www.WalshCollegeBusinessLaunch.org.
The Walsh Institute Leadership Center is a group of small-business owners, family-owned-business executives, and entrepreneurs who work with Walsh staff, faculty, and trained facilitators to help each other succeed. www.thewalshinstitute.com/leadershipcenter
We offer free one-on-one support/advice, to students and alumni, through our “Blackstone LaunchPad” program. www.walshcollege.edu/blackstonelaunchpad
How do people sign up? Is there a cost to participate and what’s the time commitment?
Visit www.thewalshinstitute.com for details on each program. There is no cost to sign up and start receiving valuable resources related to all things entrepreneurial. If a member would like to have their current business or business idea, assessed, there is a fee of $195. This fee will provide the entrepreneur with access to a personalized plan and next steps. The entrepreneur will be matched up with an expert in starting/helping grow businesses. There is no time commitment and any member can choose how much they would like to be enaged.
How so you measure overall success with the Institute? Conversely, what common challenges with small owners who are signing up?
Our success is based on many internal factors but our main goal is to enhance the ability for our students, alumni and business community to have a one-stop shop for all of their lifelong learning needs.
Most “start-up” entrepreneurs need help with planning! Even though they think they really need money. Surprisingly, most small businesses don’t need cash to help them grow, they need a coach. They need someone to guide them through each step and help them make wise choices during the initial launch phase.
As for the 2nd stage company, they need help with tightening up their business plan, especially the financials. Most 2nd stage businesses are looking to expand in one area or another but are not sure what is out there or what will be the best route for them to take. Again, the Walsh College Business Launch program is designed to help with experts in areas of finance, tax, accounting, personnel and marketing.
Walsh College recently became engaged and sponsor of the StartUp program which is broadcast nationally on PBS (channel 56, in Detroit). Please talk about this program.
Walsh College is the exclusive education sponsor of the TV show “Startup” and the radio show “Startup Nation Radio”, and we have announced a new Walsh College online entrepreneurial community, Walsh College Business Launch. The Walsh College Business Launch online community is a national platform for any entrepreneur to vet their existing business or business idea. By signing up, entrepreneurs will be provided with resources and expertise to help them explore the world of entrepreneurism. Open to the general public, interested parties can sign up to be a part of the Walsh College Business Launch online community for free by visiting www.WalshCollegeBusinessLaunch.org.
The TV series is airing in different markets but is not currently being run in Detroit, as the 13 weeks are over. However, there will be reruns starting sometime this spring.
Why was it important for Walsh to participate in both the TV and radio shows?
It was important for Walsh to participate to underscore our brand’s connection and commitment to entrepreneurs. Walsh has been part of the Detroit and southeast Michigan fabric for more than 90 years, educating students and helping small and start-up business through various initiatives, including The Walsh Institute.
We understand that entrepreneurship is a valid career choice with many unique challenges. Walsh continues to guide people determined to follow their career passions through personal reinvention. Our great relationships with business experts, many of whom teach here, help galvanize those efforts.
Simply, we want to participate with the community and grow our programs in all areas of business and business education.
How can people find out more about the Walsh Institute?
