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West Michigan entrepreneurs invited to free business expo in Muskegon

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 11:24 GMT by MLive

West Michigan Entrepreneurs Invited to Free Business Expo in Muskegon

Muskegon, Mich. — The West Michigan region is gearing up for an exciting new event that promises to ignite local business growth, spark new connections, and offer valuable resources to entrepreneurs across the area. A free business expo will take place at the Muskegon Convention Center on October 25, 2025, and it is open to all small‑business owners, startup founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs who want to elevate their ventures to the next level.

What the Expo Offers

The event, organized by the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the West Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will feature a full day of workshops, keynote presentations, and networking sessions. The expo’s mission is to give West Michigan business owners a chance to:

• Meet potential investors and partners.
• Learn about new funding opportunities and grants from state and federal agencies.
• Access free business‑planning tools and mentorship from seasoned professionals.
• Discover how to navigate regulations and access government services that can accelerate growth.

The agenda is packed. A morning keynote from Dr. Emily Rogers, the director of the West Michigan SBDC, will discuss the current economic landscape and emerging industry trends in the region. Later, former Muskegon Mayor, Lisa Collins, will speak on local government incentives and how municipalities are supporting small businesses. A panel of local entrepreneurs will share their journeys and provide actionable advice on scaling a business.

In addition to the sessions, the expo will feature a dedicated “Innovation Marketplace,” where startups can showcase their products to a curated audience of potential customers and investors. There will also be a “Funding Corner” staffed by representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and private venture capital firms interested in West Michigan ventures.

How to Register

Registration for the expo is free and can be completed online via the event’s dedicated page on the Muskegon Chamber of Commerce website. The registration form asks for basic information—name, business name, industry, contact details—and offers an optional field for a brief description of the business. After submitting the form, attendees receive an email confirmation that includes the event schedule, parking details, and a QR code for entry.

The event page also highlights the expo’s sponsors: local banks, accounting firms, and technology providers that are eager to support the region’s entrepreneurs. Sponsors are listed on the page and provide links to their own websites, where they offer complimentary resources such as discounted software, legal consultations, and marketing services for expo attendees.

Additional Resources

A link on the event page directs visitors to the West Michigan SBDC’s online portal, which contains an array of free resources beyond the expo. The portal offers downloadable business‑plan templates, a financing calculator, and a calendar of upcoming webinars on topics like tax planning, marketing strategy, and workforce development. Users can also schedule a one‑on‑one consultation with a business advisor at no cost.

Another link on the event page points to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s “Entrepreneur Resources” page. Here, entrepreneurs can explore grant opportunities, tax credits, and state‑funded programs tailored to specific industries such as manufacturing, agribusiness, and technology. The page also features success stories from local companies that have benefited from MEDC funding.

The Chamber’s own “About Us” page explains its long‑standing commitment to fostering a vibrant business community in Muskegon. The site outlines its services, which include networking events, advocacy, and educational workshops, as well as a directory of member businesses. The Chamber encourages businesses of all sizes to join its membership program, which offers exclusive benefits such as discounted event registration and priority placement in marketing materials.

Why It Matters

West Michigan’s economy has seen significant shifts in recent years, with new industries emerging and many traditional sectors undergoing transformation. The free business expo offers a timely opportunity for entrepreneurs to stay ahead of these changes. By bringing together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—business leaders, government officials, investors, and service providers—the event creates a collaborative environment where ideas can be exchanged and partnerships forged.

The event’s focus on free resources and no‑cost entry underscores a broader regional commitment to supporting small businesses, which are critical drivers of job creation and innovation. For many entrepreneurs, the expo may be the first step toward securing a grant, finding a mentor, or landing a partnership that could help their company scale and thrive.

Save the Date

• Date: October 25, 2025
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Muskegon Convention Center, 200 West Michigan Avenue, Muskegon, MI 49601

Entrepreneurs from across West Michigan are encouraged to register online through the Chamber’s website. The event promises to deliver a wealth of knowledge, resources, and connections that can help businesses grow, survive, and prosper in a competitive marketplace. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a community that’s dedicated to fostering innovation and economic resilience in Muskegon and the surrounding region.