If you`re a woman in Detroit interested in launching a business or expanding your current enterprise, here are some resources that may be helpful:

Michigan Women’s Foundation – miwf.org - The Angel Microloan Fund offers low interest loans from $2,500 to $35,000 for both existing and new women-owned businesses and social ventures. The foundation also offers mentoring, coaching, networking and education opportunities for women looking to set up their own businesses or expand. You`ll find application details here. You can also call 313-962-1920 ext. 205 or email [email protected] for more information.

CEED (The Center for Empowerment and Economic Development) - www.miceed.org. CEED operates a micro loan program for the creation and expansion of small businesses, with loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Contact Todd Van Appledorn by writing to [email protected], or call 734-838-3863.

Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Great Lakes: nonprofit organization offering Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification. Certification opens the door to the WBE network locally and nationally. For more information, contact Pamela Smith, [email protected] or call 734.838.3866.

Michigan Women’s Marketplace: www.miwomen.com. The Michigan Women’s Marketplace is an online resource and business community for women business owners. For more information, contact Deb Loeser [email protected] or call734.838.3860.

Detroit SCORE: detroit.score.org. Provides free, experienced mentors, workshops and tools for small businesses and business entrepreneurs in Detroit. To find a mentor or participate in events, visit their website, or call 313-226-7947.

Southwest Detroit Business Association: www.southwestdetroit.com. Hub for Southwest specific businesses and community initiatives, bringing new and old businesses together. Call 313-842-0986 or email [email protected].

New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan (NEI): neweconomyinitiative.org NEI periodically offers small and medium grants to small business initiatives – whether for startup or expansion purposes – in Southeast Michigan. For more information, call 313-961-6675.

D:hive Detroit – dhivedetroit.org/smallbiz. D:hive operates a number of small business specific initiatives. Walk into D:hive’s downtown Detroit location for information on their business planning classes, pop-up pilot opportunities and monthly small business networking events, or give them a call: 313-962-4590.

– Rose Hackman