What: The Farmington Community Library (FCL) is hosting a FREE six-part Lunch & Learn Small Business Series designed to empower local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Each week, attendees will enjoy complimentary lunch, network, and gain insights from local industry experts on a range of topics aimed at helping aspiring and existing business owners succeed. 

Lunch is generously sponsored by the Farmington Friends of the Library. 

When: Tuesdays, February 18 – March 25, 2025, 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

Where: FCL - Farmington Hills Location, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 

Registration: All sessions are free and open to the public—no library card required! However, space is limited, and registration is required for each session. 

To register, visit farmlib.org/small-business-series. 

Session Details: 

 

Starting a Business (Feb. 18) 

Speaker: Lee Flaherty, Attorney at Wright Beamer

Overview: This session will cover the legal and practical elements of starting a business, including selecting the appropriate type of entity, understanding formation requirements, and maintaining good standing. 

Free Business Assistance (Feb. 25) 

Speakers: 

•      Brandon Adolph, Outreach & Marketing Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration 
•         Cristia Brockway, City of Farmington Hills Economic Development Director 
•          Mike Marchand, Chair, SE Michigan SCORE 
•         Brooke Ratliff, Small Business Coach, Operation HOPE 
•          Chris Weber, City of Farmington Assistant City Manager 

Overview: Learn about the process, incentives, and grant opportunities for starting or maintaining a business, with an emphasis on the Cities of Farmington and Farmington Hills. 

Local Small Business Owners Panel Q&A (Mar. 4) 

Speakers: 

•          Annette Compo, Keller Williams, Compo Medema Group 
•          Danette Duron-Willner, Clearheaded LLC 
•          Monica Ingles, Kitchen Creations and Sorella's Cake Studio 
•          Trevor Medema, Keller Williams, Compo Medema Group 
•          Larry Powe Esq., SCORE Business Mentor 

Overview: Hear from local business owners who have successfully started their own businesses and learn tips to navigate the process. 

Speed Networking (Mar. 11) 

Speaker: Erica Lewis, Business Development Coordinator, Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce 

Overview: Engage in a fun and dynamic networking session to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and business professionals. 

Financing Your Business (Mar. 18) 

Speakers: 

•          Belinda Dubois, Director, CEED Lending 
•          George Ghareeb, SCORE Business Mentor 
•          Mike Marchand, Chair, SE Michigan SCORE 
•          Thomas P. McFadden, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration 

Overview: Learn about funding opportunities, loans, and grants to help launch and grow your small business. 

Social Media Essentials (Mar. 25) 

Speaker: Vita Kawashima, Founder, Custom Advantage Marketing LLC 

Overview: Learn how to leverage social media to build your brand and drive business growth. 

 

Press Release PDF