Business Resources
The Ford Road District is more than a corridor of commerce, it’s a growing ecosystem designed to support, attract, and elevate businesses of all types, at every stage.
From ambitious entrepreneurs who want to grow their idea in the heart of a commercial district to established operators looking to scale, Canton Township is building one of the most accessible and practical small business support networks in Southeast Michigan.
Tech Town: Expert Guidance When You Need It Most
For many entrepreneurs, the hardest part isn’t the idea, it’s knowing what to do next, and that’s where TechTown can help.
Through its Ask an Expert program, business owners can access free 25-minute consultations designed to quickly identify gaps, challenges, and next steps. Whether it’s refining a business model, navigating licensing, or understanding funding pathways, the goal is simple: remove uncertainty and replace it with action.
Beyond quick consultations, TechTown offers:
- Structured classes and workshops
- Growth and scaling support
- Networking opportunities with regional leaders
- Access to potential funding pipelines
Contact
Taharah Saad, Senior Director of Small Business Services
📞 (313) 879-5250
✉ taharah@techtowndetroit.org
Access & Equity: Expanding Opportunity for All Businesses
The Michigan Black Business Alliance is working to make business resources more equitable. Focused on supporting Black-owned businesses and underserved entrepreneurs, MBBA provides:
- Strategic business advising
- Connections to capital and funding opportunities
- Advocacy and ecosystem support
- For Canton-based businesses, this means access to a broader statewide network designed to remove barriers and accelerate growth.
Contact
Amber Montgomery, Senior Manager of Programs and Membership
📞 (313) 597-0105
Funding the Future: Financial Partners That Understand Small Business
Access to capital remains another large hurdle for growing businesses, and in the Ford Road District, you don’t have to navigate funding alone. Local and Regional institutions play a critical role in connecting business owners with:
- Small business lending options
- Financial planning support
- Partnerships with additional funding organizations
The right time to reach out to a trusted financial institution is now. Even if you’re not ready to apply for funding, they can provide help with planning, positioning and financial best-practices to set you up for success when the time comes.
Michigan First Credit Union (Kroger Location)
Businesses and entrepreneurs can connect with Michigan First Credit Union their team works one-on-one with business owners to answer questions, explore financing options, and provide guidance tailored to each stage of growth.
Contact
✉ Help@michiganfirst.com
📞 (800) 664-3828
Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union (MSGCU)
MSGCU offers both in-person and direct-access support for local businesses. Business owners can visit the Canton branch anytime or reach out to John who specializes in helping businesses navigate lending options and financial planning.
MSGCU also provides accessible online education resources, including a Small Business Essentials program designed to help new and growing businesses understand financial fundamentals, including cash flow and credit management.
Contact
John McCurdy, Business Lending Manager
📞 (586) 263-8800 ext. 443
✉ jmccurdy@msgcu.org
Lake Trust Credit Union
Lake Trust Credit Union offers helpful resources for all businesses with strong connections to support and financial resources including local, regional and national partner organizations.
Contact
Nicole Paine, Business Development Manager
📞 (888) 267-7200
✉ npaine@laketrust.org
National Strength, Local Impact
At the federal level, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers one of the most comprehensive support systems available to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Through its Michigan District Office, the SBA connects Canton businesses to:
- Loan and funding programs
- Counseling and mentorship
- Contracting and procurement opportunities
- Disaster assistance and recovery support
Whether launching a startup or expanding an established operation, SBA programs are designed to meet businesses where they are and help move them forward.
Contact
Anthony Lewis, Outreach & Marketing Specialist
📞 (313) 226-6075
✉ anthony.lewis@sba.gov
A District Designed for Growth
What sets the Ford Road District apart is more than location and high traffic thoroughfare of Ford Road.
This is a place where:
- Businesses can access real, direct support
- Active partnerships and marketing support for the area
- Growth is planned, resourced, and encouraged
For current business owners, these resources provide the tools to expand and evolve. For future entrepreneurs, they offer a clear path to getting started.
If you own a business in the Ford Road District boundary, register your business on this site to get involved and get more benefits out of the Ford Road District.