Michigan Celebrates

Hiring is hard. Keeping great people is harder. Join Sheri Welsh at the MCSB Summit for a breakout packed with real strategies to attract the talent you need and retain top performers – ideas you can tailor to your business. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Growth gets harder when customer data lives everywhere. At the MCSB Summit, Joshua Watson of @InVerveInc shares how a CRM brings structure to sales and marketing – centralizing data, improving follow‑up, and supporting growth without chaos. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Strong culture is important, but systems make culture actionable. In this breakout, Elena Stegemann shares how high-performing organizations connect cultural values with operational practices to strengthen teams and accelerate execution. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Every business owner exits - eventually. The question is whether you’ll be ready. Jessica Starks’ breakout helps owners understand what it takes to build a sellable business that’s less owner-dependent and more valuable over time. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Looking to unlock new innovation? Jeffery Smith shares practical ways to work with research universities—accessing breakthrough tech, leveraging patent licensing, reducing R&D costs, and building partnerships that drive growth and advantage. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Tool fatigue. Subscription overload. AI changing daily. If “digital transformation” feels like chaos, this breakout is for you. Matthew Russell shares practical ways to simplify your tech stack, evaluate your digital footprint, & improve ROI. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Want more clarity and control over your business finances? Dr. Brenda Oldham of RAM Educational Business Solutions, will share simple, practical strategies to increase profits, streamline operations, and strengthen your business model. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Most small businesses are reactive about cybersecurity - until it’s too late. Learn how to build a scalable security stack with Rich Miller (STACK Cybersecurity) at the MCSB Summit. Register today: bit.ly/40FJZ77

It's not exit planning, it’s clarity. In “Should You Stay or Should You Go,” Cynthia Kay shares a personal case study & the questions owners face when deciding how long to stay, when to step away, & how to balance emotion with smart decisions. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Great culture doesn’t happen by accident. In this breakout, Matt Jemilo & Marcy McMahon of HR Collaborative share how leaders can attract the right talent & build high‑performing teams through psychological safety and people‑first leadership. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Early bird pricing ends March 13 ⏰Register now for Michigan Celebrates Small Business 2026 and save your spot at four events across two days, April 21–22 in East Lansing. 🔗 michigancelebrates.org #MCSB2026 #MichiganCelebrates #MichiganSmallBusiness

Volatility. Complexity. Constant change. Todd Gustafson’s (@kinexusgroup) breakout shares a practical framework for leading through disruption – building resilience, making better decisions with imperfect info, and keeping teams aligned. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Need brand clarity your team can use? Camron Gnass of Traction Brands leads a breakout helping founders define a strong brand framework to align teams and guide smarter, less wasteful marketing. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Growth without systems leads to burnout. In this breakout, Nikki Thompson Frazier shares a simple framework to spot bottlenecks, streamline operations, and scale sustainably – without sacrificing health, family, or purpose. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Need renewed energy and perspective? Join Patti Eisenbraun’s “Rise and Thrive” – an uplifting session on building a mindset that helps you rise above challenges. Leave refreshed and motivated. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

In “Discovered, Not Clicked,” Jason Dodge (@BlackTruckMedia) explains how AI search shapes what customers learn about your business before they reach your site, and how to protect your reputation and boost discoverability. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Growing your team without the right HR structure can hold you back. In this breakout, Lisa Cooper shares simple, scalable HR practices to reduce turnover, improve efficiency, & become an employer of choice without big-company resources. Register at: bit.ly/40FJZ77

Apply by Mar 6 → pitch Apr 21 → win $10,000. Link in first comment. bit.ly/3MRsj5a

“Soft skills” drive performance, retention, & customer experience. In this breakout, Kim Bode (CEO, @8THIRTYFOUR) breaks down the cost of poor communication and shares repeatable ways to build trust, reduce friction, & improve daily operations. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77

AI isn’t just for big companies. Justin Ayers shows how small businesses can use low-cost tools to automate tasks, boost marketing, and improve customer experience – no tech team needed. Register: bit.ly/40FJZ77