Metro Detroit and Michigan Business News: January 2024
BasBlue Announces Zero-to-One Entrepreneurial Fellowship Recipients
BasBlue, a Detroit-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and non-binary individuals, has selected 10 entrepreneurs to participate in its upcoming Zero-to-One Entrepreneurial Fellowship Program. The six-month program provides business workshops, coaching, mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to help participants launch and grow their businesses.
The selected fellows are:
* Samantha Barash, The Practice Collective
* Angela Chi, Chi Fan Le
* Sarah Dalley, Bonding Over Books
* Ambirr Momon, All Things Amb
* Yvonne “Heaven” Montero, HIM
* Nikoji Smith, The Classy Lady
* I’Sha Schultz-Spradlin, Black Moon Bathhouse and Apothecary
* Renee Sorgi, The Real Renee
* Jena Brooker, JB’s Ice Pops
* Marquita Richardson, Sweet Paws Creamery
Community Choice Credit Union Returns $3.35 Million to Members Through GetBigReward$ Program
Community Choice Credit Union in Redford Township has rewarded its members with nearly $3.35 million in cash rewards through its GetBigReward$ program in 2023. The program provides cash rewards for everyday banking activities such as direct deposits, Mastercard or debit card usage, and loan products.
Since its launch in 2013, GetBigReward$ has paid out approximately $28 million to members. In 2023, the program was simplified to require only three qualifiers, making it more accessible to members regardless of their account size.
Zekelman Holocaust Center Unveils Renovated Core Exhibit
The Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills has unveiled the results of a $31 million renovation of its core exhibit. The new exhibit, designed in collaboration with Ralph Appelbaum Associates, focuses on the voices of Holocaust victims and survivors, particularly those who settled in Michigan after World War II.
The exhibit includes archival footage, images, artifacts, and interactive video testimony to bring the stories of survivors to life. It also features a new space called “People and Possessions,” which showcases artifacts that represent the various losses suffered by victims at the hands of the Nazis.
Lake Trust Foundation Opens Applications for Scholarships
The Lake Trust Foundation in Brighton is accepting applications for two scholarship opportunities: the New Beginnings Scholarship and the Michigan Impact Scholarship. The New Beginnings Scholarship provides up to $7,500 to individuals pursuing a career technical education program, trade school, or technical field at a Michigan college or university. The Michigan Impact Scholarship provides a full-tuition scholarship to a Michigan resident pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Cleary University.
Applications for both scholarships are open through March 10.
Michigan Individual Income Tax Filing Season Begins January 29
The Michigan Department of Treasury has announced that the individual income tax filing season will officially begin on January 29. Individuals can file their state income tax return online, with a tax professional, or by mailing in paper forms and documentation. All returns and payments must be received by April 15, 2024.
Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically to receive their refunds faster. End-of-the-year pay stubs should not be used when filing a state income tax return.
Treetops Resort’s Masterpiece Course Recognized by Golf Week
The Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed Masterpiece golf course at Treetops Resort in Gaylord has been included on Golf Week magazine’s Top 200 Resort Golf Course to Play in the United States list. The course is known for its scenic views of the Pigeon River Valley and challenging layout.
Grand Valley State University Wins International Business Competition
A team of students from Grand Valley State University in Allendale Township has become the first group from the United States to win the Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition hosted by the University of Vermont. The four-day competition requires participants to act as consultants and analyze family-owned businesses.
The Grand Valley team, led by student advisor Ana Gonzalez and assistant professor of management Chandresh Baid, competed against teams from around the world and impressed the judges with their strategic process and insights.
Benzinga Launches Bulls Say / Bears Say Dataset on Initial Data Offering Platform
Benzinga, a financial media and data provider in Detroit, has launched a new dataset called “Bulls Say / Bears Say” on the Initial Data Offering (IDO) platform. The dataset offers users quick access to summarized analyst reports with both bullish and bearish perspectives on stocks.
The dataset is designed to save time and provide investors with a balanced view of potential stock investments. It is hosted on the Initial Data Offering platform.
Goldfish Swim School Ranked Among Top Franchises
Goldfish Swim School Franchising in Troy has been named the top swimming lessons franchise business and No. 74 overall on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list. The company has been ranked in the top 100 and as the top swimming lessons franchise since 2017.
Goldfish Swim School has over 160 locations across North America and taught more than 10 million swim lessons in 2023. The company continues to expand and grow its brand equity.
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