Voices
Voices
Dive into compelling stories from Michigan's 83 counties and hear from business owners, students, and community members as they describe their unique perspectives on living and working in Michigan.
Across Michigan, founders are building with a purpose. We’re not here to chase headlines – we’re here to solve real problems in AI and SaaS, life sciences, mobility, advanced manufacturing, clean tech and more.
Interactive Story Map
A unique voice from every county
Dive directly into Michigan’s counties to read stories told by business owners, community leaders and michiganders around the state. Select a county to begin exploring.
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All Stories
Calhoun
All You Need is Love and Tacos
Javier Fortoso of Torti Taco
Javier Fortoso followed his heart to Michigan — and found a love for craft tacos that became his passion
Alger
Chasing Waterfalls
Bill Thompson of Michigan Ice Fest
As an event organizer for the annual ice climbing festival, Thompson draws climbers and legends from across the nation and around the world to Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Mackinac
Spill the Beans
Carolyn May of Lucky Bean
As owner of Lucky Bean and a native Mackinac Islander, Carolyn May has been serving up coffee to locals and visitors since 2011
Jackson
A Bright Idea
Clay McAndrews of Bright Walls
As a lifelong Michigander from Jackson, Clay McAndrews made his community more colorful with the Bright Walls Mural Festival
Shiawassee
Sweet Tooth
Melissa Wheeler of Murtle’s Handmade Chocolates
Melissa Wheeler has been sweetening up downtown Owosso since 2017 with her chocolate shop, Murtle’s Handmade Chocolates
Arenac
True to Form
George Aultman of Vantage Plastics
Vantage Plastics strives to form solutions, form a sustainable future, and form better lives
Osceola
The Best Medicine
Michelle Ladd of Evart Pharmacy
Pharmacist Michelle Ladd embraces her small-town roots by serving the community where she grew up
Allegan
Heart and Sole
Alan Baugh of Baugh Shoe Repair
At 93 years old, Alan Baugh continues his family’s century-old legacy business in downtown Wayland
Ingham
A Whole New World View
Mark Hendel of IMPCO
As Global Sales Director for IMPCO Microfinishing, a Lansing-based machine tooling manufacturer, Mark Hendel is injecting a new energy and vision into the 86-year-old company
Crawford
Turning the Page
Rae Gosling of Hidden Nook Booksellers
Rae Gosling, former Michigan Main Street Director for the city of Grayling, starts a new chapter as the owner of Hidden Nook Booksellers
Grand Traverse
Finding The Right Temperature
Bill Myers of Promethient
Bill Myers, CEO of Promethient, shares why Traverse City’s Northern Michigan lifestyle is the cherry on top of its legacy of innovation
Lenawee
Born and Bread in Michigan
Arlo Brandl of Tecumseh Bread and Pastry
Artisan bread maker Arlo Brandl uses flour power to attract visitors to Tecumseh Bread and Pastry in downtown Tecumseh
Houghton
Rocket Man
Brad King of Orbion Space Technology
Brad King, founder of Orbion Space Technology, shares how he became one of the U.P.’s leading rocket scientists
Michigan does an excellent job of fostering a supportive environment for small businesses, especially through organizations like the SBDC. There is a strong sense of community among entrepreneurs, and many valuable resources available for people starting and growing a business.