Michigan Business Beat | Mackinac Policy Conference 2026-Wafa Dinaro, New Economy Initiative- #MPC26

Chris Holman speaks with Wafa Dinaro, from Media Row, at the Grand Hotel, while at the 2026 Mackinac Policy Conference. Executive Director, Wafa Dinaro joined host Chris Holman at the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss the New Economy Initiative, a special project of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan that has been supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses since 2008. The organization funds a diverse portfolio of nonprofit business support organizations — including CDFIs, technical assistance providers, and community groups like TechTown, SBDC, and Black Leaders Detroit — with the goal of ensuring entrepreneurs at every stage have access to free resources. To make those resources more discoverable, the organization launched the Michigan Small Business Helper, a digital platform at michigansmallbusinesshelper.org that serves as a one-stop shop for grants, loans, financial guidance, and other vetted support. Dinaro emphasized that while the initiative doesn't seek a financial return on its investments, the broader payoff comes through job creation, community growth, and a stronger local economy as entrepreneurs succeed. » 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/