SMALL BUSINESS

An event to support local businesses that will keep the family entertained

Bouncing Around the Motor City is the winner of the Hatch Detroit contest

We’ve put together a list of events, activities and gift ideas happening around Ann Arbor so you can show mom how much you care.

You can put a personal touch on these gifts

“People always say ‘Wow it’s such a vibe,’” said Della’s owner Sheena McCullers.

Main Street Area Association has launched a new campaign to help support businesses during construction.

Enjoy specials at these Ann Arbor businesses this month as construction gets underway.

Two Ann Arbor restaurants, Miss Kim and Spencer, are semifinalists for awards from the James Beard Foundation.

More than 30 eateries are participating this year, according to host Main Street Ann Arbor.

On Wednesday, owner om Brady posted a statement on social media saying that the Ann Arbor location was closed.

Whether you’re participating in a White Elephant exchange or putting presents under a tree, it can be tricky finding the right gift.

It can be hard finding the right gift, and even more difficult to find one that is special. Here are 4 unique to Ann Arbor.

“WCC is excited to join SBAM and to be a resource for its members looking to develop their talent base through training and recruitment and to offer educational programming for entrepreneurs,” said WCC vice president Brandon Tucker in a release.

The brand is all about simplicity, elegance, and longevity.

Check out these Ann Arbor area holiday markets featuring local makers, artists and creators.

Detroit’s historic Avenue of Fashion is located on Livernois Avenue between 6 and 8 Mile Road. Before malls, it was a place people would go for luxury shopping and local organizations want to bring that back.

It all comes at you so quickly: One minute, you’re making grocery lists and setting the menu for Thanksgiving, and then, in the blink of an eye, the holiday has arrived, only to be followed by Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday -- and then your tree goes up and Christmas morning is here.

Thanksgiving is almost here so don’t let the holiday gobble up your fun by stressing over what dish to bring to your festivities. Instead, grab a bottle of wine. Caitlyn Caroline Wiley and Kayla Franklin from House of Pure Vin appeared on “Live In The D” to discuss what wines pair best with Thanksgiving foods.

The Main Street candy store is donating 10 percent of its sales made during Small Business Saturday to the Humane Society of Huron Valley

With consumption at a 20-year high, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Coffee Day, on Saturday, Sept. 29., than to get some java from a local cafe.

The Dexter Cider Mill will be open for business for the 2022 season on Friday.

Here are four ways to celebrate the unofficial bookworm holiday in Tree Town.

A new company is bringing Michigan apples to states around the U.S.

Nicola's Books was taken over by Michigan-based book company Schuler Books in 2014 but retained the name given to it by its previous owner, Nicola Rooney.

Coffee chain Bitty & Beau's employs individuals with disabilities.

PizzaForno has four locations in Michigan.

Traffic Jam & Snug, which has been on the corner of Second Avenue and West Canfield in Detroit’s Midtown since 1965, was destroyed by a fire on Friday morning.

The event will feature cultural performances, food and booths from Asian American-owned businesses.

To help you celebrate whoever you call mom, we’ve put together a list of gifts to show mom that you care.

Street closures will resume in the downtown area on Thursday.

Bløm Meadworks is throwing a daylong celebration on Saturday.

A cross between bowling and football, fowling involves knocking down bowling pins with footballs.

The new menu consists of Slurping Turtle’s much-loved ramen, sushi, duck fat fried chicken, bao, stir fry, desserts and alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

London Beauty has moved into the 306 S. Main St. spot formerly used by Lily Grace in January.

For small business owners in Detroit, Eastern Market was the place to be this weekend.

Detroit’s QLINE will remain free to ride through the summer months and riders can now take advantage of a rewards program for local businesses.

Founded by Sylvia Nolasco-Rivers, Pilar’s Foundation has been quietly giving back to the Washtenaw County and global community for years.

Between 2-6 p.m., job seekers can stop by Ann Arbor Regent Hotel & Suites, at 2455 Carpenter Rd., to apply in person.

A longtime Detroit food company is bringing two new establishments to the Eastern Market area this year.

Ann Arbor SPARK is launching a free online event series designed for small business owners.

From cookies and clothing to cool stickers and records, Ann Arbor’s many small businesses offer a plethora of choices for even the pickiest of giftees.

A new boutique conveniently located in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood is putting its foot down on the fast fashion trend.

Here’s a sneak peek at the deals being offered during Friday's Midnight Madness, Moonlight Madness and Festive Friday events.

See which businesses are participating in Ann Arbor's new social district.

The difficulties of both 2020 and 2021 showed just how much the Ann Arbor area relies on nonprofit organizations and charities to take care of our most vulnerable populations. Here are four nonprofits to support this Giving Tuesday.

Between Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday, you’re bound to run into a few scams while you shop online.

Holidays mean gifts and gatherings, and as your celebrations come together you can support local shops on Small Business Saturday.

The owners of Collected Works in the Kerrytown neighborhood will close their shop after the upcoming holiday season.

It’s no secret when it comes to the holiday season, shopping early could be key to finding what you want. If you want to shop local, and find unique items made right here in the D, Eastern Market may be where you should be this weekend because “All Things Detroit” returns this Sunday.

It was an all hands on deck effort this past weekend to repair a Black Lives Matter mural that was defaced in September in Ypsilanti.

Synecdoche Design Studio has big plans for a converted food truck.

Slurping Turtle will be closing its doors for six to eight weeks for renovations.

There is a local Detroit company looking to take things to the next level and it is all thanks to a scholarship from the Stahl Family Small Business Fund Scholarship Program.

Students and companies can still apply to participate in the new Michigan STEM Forward program.

New Standard Ann Arbor is offering giveaways and discounts on opening weekend Sept. 3-6.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 will be held October 1 through 8 online and in various in-person locations throughout the city.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s a2Tech360 will be held October 1 through 8 online and in various in-person locations throughout the city.

The Dexter Cider Mill has announced the opening date for its fall season.

Bivouac will be holding a daylong raffle on Oct. 9 to celebrate 50 years in business.

Atomic Object recognized for high-performance, high-growth and strategic prowess.

Ann Arbor business owners share what Art Fair weekend did for business.

For 90 years Elliott’s Bakery in downtown Trenton has been serving decadent treats.

The annual award is given by the national architecture organization of professionals.

Create invoices and pay bills for your company with this QuickBooks Online Bundle

Underground Printing just marked a major milestone.

The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of experts, based on the business’s investor pitch.

The winners were selected by an esteemed panel of experts, based on the business’s investor pitch.

Small business owners in Ann Arbor are asking: What's up with the benches around town?

The program aims to promote job retention in the state while supporting local companies.

The program aims to promote job retention in the state while supporting local companies.

Asian-owned small businesses will be given an opportunity to gain free access to resources to boost their success.

Literati Bookstore has reopened after announcing it was closing its doors indefinitely over a year ago.

Business owners in Ann Arbor's State Street District talk about losing one of the biggest weekends of the year -- again.

The organizers of the Ann Arbor Art Fair have canceled the event for the second year over COVID concerns.

See how you can support two local breweries and make donations to Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley's 2021 House That Beer Built.

Bookbound Bookstore will close its doors this summer after nearly eight years on Ann Arbor's northside.

Hosted by Main Street Ann Arbor, the celebration will feature special deals at restaurants and retailers for both in-person, online and curbside shoppers.

A new exhibition in downtown Ann Arbor translates University of Michigan research into art.

David Lin had to close two of his Ann Arbor businesses during the pandemic. He's hoping a new crowdfunding effort will bring back small businesses across the U.S.

If you’re not sure what to get the person you call mom, we’ve got you covered.

Composed of a thick chocolate ganache layered over a buttermilk chocolate cake base, The Joffre is luscious without being fussy.

Support local businesses while celebrating U-M's Spring Commencement.

March is National Noodle Month, so why not celebrate with a local homegrown pasta business? Mama Mucci’s started in one family’s basement, but is now available in more than 200 stores and restaurants across Southeast Michigan. Mama Mucci’s president Vince Mucci said the business started more than 35 years ago with an idea that came out of the basement of his childhood home. He said he grew up eating his mother’s fresh homemade pasta which she cooked for special occasions like their weekly Sunday dinners. Now it’s not just a family recipe, it’s a family business.

Their idea was approved and Fifty State Suds was born. We are offering our three Michigan soaps for $5.99 a piece! A student holds up a Fifty State Suds Michigan bar on Main St. in downtown Ann Arbor. With periodic check-ins and energetic mentoring Dr. Fretz ensures each team has the best chance to reach their full potential. Related reading:U-M students work to bring Michigan’s first Waffle House to Ann ArborAdUniversity of Michigan students go viral with their Scrunchie ShotsClassmates help U-M student expand business helping older adults with tech during pandemic

ANN ARBOR – What do you get when you blend American comfort food with authentic Korean cuisine? A one-of-a-kind pop-up at Miss Kim -- and it’s happening weekly. Lyttle’s signature candied bacon and BBQ tots recur alongside Miss Kim favorites milk tea (boba optional) and ginger plum soda. Read: LaLa’s pop-up diner opens in Ann ArborAdWatch Kim and Lyttle discuss this week’s menu in the post below:To see what’s on the menu this weekend and to place an order, click here. Miss Kim is at 415 N. 5th Ave. For more information, visit www.misskimannarbor.com.

ANN ARBOR – One of Tree Town’s very own has been named to the Forbes Next 1000 list. Sauve applied for the list and had a feeling she was picked when representatives continued to contact her. For now, she is the only Ann Arborite to make it on the list. AdCredit: IVEY Salon | Synecdoche DesignLiving by the motto “Do Good Work,” Sauve said the practice is expanding its charitable arm. A lean operation with five employees, architects Sauve, Smith and Sidney Migoski design projects remotely while design-makers Julia Hunt and Lindsey Sieja work in the shop.

Owned by Petals and Bubbles Sandcastle, the studios are a springboard for change and to dismantle unproductive mindsets. That space allowed community members to pay their own price and use the space for anything, from music festivals to moth storytelling. Community members can choose from three price points or pick their own price. NOW studios is a safe space to explore, express and process, and spaces like the downtown Ann Arbor studio seem to work. Community members can tune into NOW programming via live streaming and social media platforms.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The brainchild of Amy Lugo, Cookie Colab fuses Lugo’s background in graphic design with her Aunt Mary’s homemade butter cookie recipe. AdOwner Amy Lugo uses buttercream to make designs on Cookie Colab's signature butter cookies. (Amy Lugo/ Cookie Colab)Her homemade cookies aren’t what a lot of people expect from highly stylized cookies. It doesn’t dent or crack, but the buttercream is very delicate.”That buttercream also tastes better and, along with a butter cookie base, is what makes Cookie Colab cookies so good. Cookie Colab designs originally started out on holiday cookies when Lugo would bake with her daughter.

Co-owner of 24th CC, Sean Brezzell, recently collaborated with Five Shores Brewing and beer blogger Siren of Stout to craft a pastry stout as part of its “Support Black Businesses Beer Series.” The February beer is the first in the series, which coincides with Black History Month. Read: Family-run 24th CC fills cheesecake void in Ann Arbor food sceneSiren of Stout’s Barb Baker and Five Shores brewmaster Oliver Roberts developed the beer recipe that features 24th CC’s sweet potato pies. Ad24th Cheesecakerie's sweet potato pies go into the mash to create a pastry stout with Five Shores Brewing and Siren of Stout. (Barb Baker)“The 24th Cheesecakerie is a third generation business and they make stellar cakes and pies,” Baker wrote A4 via email. The limited edition beer will be released on Feb. 26 and can be purchased on the Five Shores Brewing website with pick up options in Royal Oak and at Cultivate in Ypsilanti.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Treat yourself, support local restaurants and sample some of Ann Arbor’s best eats during the return of Ann Arbor Restaurant Week. Between Feb. 21-26, Tree Town eateries will be offering special multi-course menus, family-sized to-go meals and offer food and drink demonstrations. Traditionally, Ann Arbor Restaurant Week specials have revolved around fixed prices. The annual foodie celebration coincides with the first-ever Ann Arbor Hotel Week which focuses on the area’s hotel and hospitality industry. AdRead: Live your best staycation life during Ann Arbor Hotel WeekRestaurant Week is organized by the Main Street Area Association.

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Small businesses in Sterling Heights that have been impacted by COVID-19 can apply for assistance. The program provides CARES Act CDBG-CV grants (not loans) to small businesses with 500 employees or less. The funds can be used to purchase materials or equipment needed to adapt business space to comply with CDC guidelines, purchase safety supplies for employees, and general financial assistance due to COVID-19 shortfalls. AdThis program will provide much needed help to many of our City’s small businesses as they deal with the additional, unexpected obligations they are facing due to the coronavirus. Sterling Heights Mayor Michael TaylorClick here to learn more information.

It’s perfect weather for a steaming hot cup of hot chocolate and a bakery in Plymouth has marshmallows that are a national food award finalist to pair with it. The Blu Kitchen in Plymouth originally started as a place to find delicious macaroons, inspired by owner Adina St. John’s desire to recreate the treat her husband enjoyed during a business trip to France. Now, The Blu Kitchen offers various flavors of macaroons, hot chocolate mixes, and homemade marshmallows that are a top five finalist in The Good Food Award. The bakery’s vanilla flavored marshmallows were one out of 3,000 entries across the country,Watch the video above to hear more about The Blu Kitchen and their sweets.

“I really, really enjoy doing it,” said Wolff. This story is part of a “Be Epic” series on Dr. Fretz’s Entrepreneurial Creativity class. As the core course for everyone taking the #1 ranked Entrepreneurship minor, almost 2,000 students have gone through its unique structure since Dr. Fretz created it in 2014. Each team reviews their ideas with Dr. Fretz and they agree on the best choice as well as a rough plan for the term. With periodic check-ins and energetic mentoring Dr. Fretz ensures each team has the best chance to reach their full potential.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. ANN ARBOR – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently re-opened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. To help small business owners understand the eligibility requirements and application process, 20Fathoms and Ann Arbor SPARK are cohosting a webinar presented by Robert Scott, Regional Administrator for the SBA. “Robert Scott is the architect of the PPP which has been a lifeline to small businesses. “Hearing the details of the program directly from Scott will help these companies most effectively benefit from the support it can provide.”Event details:

Small business owners in Michigan are invited to attend webinar Thursday evening.

Campus Barber & Beauty Salon has been serving Ann Arbor students and professionals for almost 30 years. To make up for the lack of business, Campus Barber & Beauty Salon has had to adapt. Find the Campus Barber & Beauty Salon GoFundMe here. Campus Barber & Beauty Salon is at 524 E. William St. in downtown Ann Arbor (Campus Barber & Beauty Salon)Hickey’s family has owned the business in downtown Ann Arbor for almost 30 years. His father started Campus Barber & Beauty Salon as a barbershop in Nickels Arcade.

ANN ARBOR – Throughout the month of January, visits to local restaurants for outdoor dining or curbside pick up can earn you a chance to win prizes. How it works:Download the getDowntown Commute Central app from the App Store or Google Play, or sign up via getDowntown’s website. Win badges and prizes based on participationUsers who earn 40 points a week will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift card. The challenge is sponsored by ShowYourLoveA2, an initiative by the downtown area associations to bolster support for local restaurants and shops. Shopping at local businesses can also earn you points and prizes.

ANN ARBOR – Downtown area associations have joined an annual campaign to encourage visitors to continue shopping and dining in the city throughout the month of January. Typically a slow time of year for business, the pandemic has only exacerbated the lack of customers at local establishments. The Main Street Area Association, State Street District, Kerrytown District Association, and South University Area Association have partnered with the getDowntown Program for “Conquer the Cold - Pandemic Edition.”The annual challenge by getDowntown -- in partnership with the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide), the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and the City of Ann Arbor -- is designed to encourage and educate commuters to use alternative modes of transportation during the cold winter months. Many restaurants will be participating in the Comfort Food Challenge, and users can get prizes for dining outdoors, ordering curbside and shopping downtown. “The Downtown Districts are excited to be partnering with GetDowntown for Conquer the Cold this year,” Sandra Andrade, executive director of the Main Street Area Association said in a statement.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Watch a drag show, play trivia, support small businesses and raise money for frontline workers this New Year’s Eve. From 8 p.m. to midnight on Thursday, Ypsilanti drag group Boylesque will host a New Year’s Eve show benefiting small businesses and frontline workers. All of the proceeds from ticket purchases and tips will be used to buy gift cards to local businesses and given to frontline workers at University of Michigan Hospital and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor, according to a release. “Our goal here is to put money back into the community and give frontline workers something for all their hard work since this pandemic hit,” the release said. Those who buy a ticket will receive an email the day of the event with a Zoom link and information about games they will play.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Whether it’s a first date, birthday party or family game night, everyone has a story about Pinball Pete’s. So Pinball Pete’s has started a GoFundMe campaign and is asking its legions of loyal fans for help. “The response that we’ve received initially has been outstanding,” said Nick Reynolds, son of Pinball Pete’s owner Mike Reynolds. Those who donate between $1-$50 will be mentioned in a thank you post on the Pinball Pete’s Facebook pages. Pinball Pete’s is at 1214 S. University Ave in Ann Arbor and 220 Albert St. in East Lansing, Michigan.