Ron Stevens is Associate Regional Director of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of the Greater Washtenaw Region, where he’s been since 2007. His office is located at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, although the SBDCs are located at 10 locations around Michigan and they work with businesses of all sizes to launch or expand. He specializes on businesses in the areas of retail, restaurant, and breweries.

Click below to listen to full interview with Ron!

Ron also holds a professional certification as a NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional and is part of the SBDC’s State Export Assistance Team. Ron and his colleagues assist with all major areas of business assistance, including business plan development, market research, raising capital, website assistance, financial management, and export strategy. Paid for through tax dollars, these services are available free of charge.

Ron’s work has changed significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, as he now spends most of his time helping companies navigate federal and state business assistance programs. With new programs still emerging and dates and qualifications for eligibility constantly changing, educating companies about the opportunities is keeping him and his colleagues very busy. Michigan businesses interested in utilizing the business development services or connecting to COVID-19-related programs and resources can find local contact information at SBDCMichigan.org.