Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2026 - J.D. Collins, Michigan S.B.D.C. - #MPC26

Chris Holman speaks with J.D. Collins, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference. The Michigan SBDC (Small Business Development Center), led by J.D. Collins, as CEO and Executive Director, serves entrepreneurs and small businesses across all 83 Michigan counties at no cost, supported by the MEDC, the state, and 10 university hosts. The organization employs about 115 experienced professionals in their second or third careers and served over 9,700 businesses last year, with data showing that SBDC-engaged businesses are more likely to survive past five years and achieve greater growth. The SBDC works closely with the SBA, which funds SBDCs nationally while also providing loan programs, giving the state roughly a 2x return on every dollar invested in the organization. Currently, the SBDC is observing a cautious "wait and see" attitude among small businesses, along with a growing trend of young entrepreneurs arriving with AI-generated business plans that consultants must help them critically evaluate. » Visit MBN website: http://www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: http://www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: http://twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/