Hi Eric:   Michigan is working hard to get businesses to the state but I don't know that your business is the type they're trying to finance. They're mostly looking to work with high technology businesses. However, I would give it a shot.  You should take a look at the Michigan Advantage website.  You should also take a look at the Michigan One Stop Shop website for the Financing Options.There's a lot of great resources listed.   Finally, if these options don't work out, consider going to your local credit union or the smaller banks. The larger banks here, such as Chase or Bank of America, aren't really being all the cooperative (but you should still give them a shot). Also, don't think that just because you're going to be working in Detroit that you should limit yourself to finding financing in Detroit. You may want to drive out to Ann Arbor or Bloomfield to talk to the banks in those areas too.   Good luck!! :)    

Hi Eric, Congratulations on starting your own business! It's great that you have a business plan written, but here's our Starting a Business Guide, just in case. DBA stands for 'Doing Business As' and is the name that you register your business in, whether it be a LLC, S-Corp etc. Here's a quick reference list of business entities that may be useful. We also wrote a blog about the pros and cons of registering as a LLC v. S-Corp, so please feel free to make use of this resource! Since you are based in Detroit, I used the Permit Me Tool to generate a list of relevant licenses and permits In terms of financing your business, have you tried using our Loans and Grants tool? Just check off the options relevant to you and it'll give you list of loans you can apply to. If you are looking for a small amount of money -- a maximum of $35,000, you should consider SBA's microloans. Microloans can be used for working capital, inventory, equipment, etc. You can contact a microlender nearest you. Does anyone else have ideas? Please feel free to add!