Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) counselors, working with new business ventures, have successfully completed their pilot of the Online Business Startup Wizard.  SBDC's feedback from the pilot launch, which lasted from May 28 through August 4, 2002, was instrumental in fine-tuning the Wizard and determining the final public launch date for this new application.  SBDC counselors in several regional locations provided computers and assistance in using this application to their customers. 

The MI-Small Business Development Center Network is a partner program of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  The state headquarters is located in Grand Rapids Michigan at Grand Valley State University. (www.misbtdc.org).  SDBC provided feedback at each stage of development and even provided feedback through a top notch web solutions developer at no cost to the State.  

“I recognize both the magnitude and the potential of this project aimed at streamlining how small businesses work with State Government agencies to start their business,” said Carol Lopucki, Director of MI-Small Business Development Center Network.  “This tool will ease the burden upon startups who are registering and filing with the varied state agencies.  I truly believe this addresses a great need by the small businesses of Michigan.  I commend the State of Michigan for taking on this project, as do all of our field staff and clients who've participated in the varied testing phases.”