SPARK East Innovation Center to Host Free “Small Business Week”: Workshops, Expert Office Hours, and Resources

Running a small business or planning to start one? Ann Arbor SPARK East invites local entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners to Small Business Week, taking place August 17-21.

This week-long event is designed to connect the local business community with direct expert advice, practical skill-building workshops, networking opportunities, complimentary food, and a chance for prizes - all provided at no cost to attendees.

Throughout the week, Business Navigators will be available on-site daily from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00-3:00 p.m. to provide guidance on local resources, growth strategies, and technical assistance available to support small businesses. Subject matter experts (lawyers, accountants, packaging experts, and more) will also hold dedicated 1-on-1 office hours alongside interactive workshops focused on key business areas:

• E-commerce Business Intensive Workshop: Monday, Aug 17 at 12 PM
• QuickBooks Basics Workshop: Tuesday, Aug 18 at 8:30 AM & 3:30 PM
• Getting Retail Ready! Workshop: Wednesday, Aug 19 at 12 PM
• AI for Small Business Workshop: Thursday, Aug 20 at 8:30 AM & 3:30 PM
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) "101": Thursday, Aug 20 at 10 AM
• Social Media Tools Workshop: Friday, Aug 21 at 12 PM

"Entrepreneurs don't need to be told to work hard - they need tools, connections, and answers. Small Business Week delivers all three, and it's free to everyone who walks in," said Kristine Nash-Wong, director of entrepreneurial services, SPARK East Innovation Center.

Event Details

• Dates: August 17-21, 2026
• Location: Ann Arbor SPARK East Innovation Center, 215 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
• Cost: Free (Includes food, workshops, office hours, and prize drawings)
• Registration / Info: MISmallBusiness.org

About the Small Business Support Hub

The funding for these and other Small Business Support services was provided in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). This project was being supported, in whole or part, by federal award number SLFRP0127 awarded to the State of Michigan by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

This grant enables our partner organizations and Ann Arbor SPARK to provide these resources and support at no cost to eligible businesses.