A monthly publication highlighting economic development in Novi

March 16, 2016

Partnership opportunities abound for Novi businesses

Learn about new ways to engage employees, connect with the City

There's no doubt our community is stronger when businesses are engaged, sharing resources and providing valuable expertise.

Novi is fortunate to have a diverse business community made up of businesses both small and large, each bringing a great deal of value to the table in their own unique way.

At the forefront of almost every successful business is engaged employees who see the value in reaching out beyond their walls to improve the community as a whole.

There are numerous opportunities for employees and businesses to get involved in whatever fits their niche. Maybe it's raising money to donate to the Novi Parks Foundation, which supports recreational opportunities in the city, or the Friends of the Novi Library, which assists the library with fundraising, volunteer work and public presentations.

For those who really want to get hands on, our C.A.R.E.S. Days could be the perfect fit. These events - Cemetery Day, Arbor Day, River Day, Earth Day and Shredding Day - provide businesses with an opportunity to put a team together and help beautify Novi for a few hours on a Saturday. Adopting a park for the year and performing some light clean-up would help improve our parks while also boosting employee morale.

Supporting an event like the Memorial Day Parade, the Emergency Challenge 5K Race or Light Up the Night are other ways for businesses to partner with the community.

These are just a few of the many opportunities available to our businesses seeking to get more involved with their Novi. Anyone seeking more information or have ideas about possible partnerships are encouraged to email novibusiness@cityofnovi.org or call 248.735.5628.

It's a BIG Novi event!

Business Blender to connect you with fellow business owners, resources

Your City of Novi invites you to come mix it up and meet new business friends at the inaugural Business Blender from 8-10am on Tuesday, May 24 at the Novi Public Library.

This is a great opportunity for small- to medium-size businesses to come and meet like-minded people while also learning valuable information about the services available to them in the area.

Come with an empty stomach (breakfast is included this free event) and plenty of business cards to share with your neighbors and resource partners from around the community.

Novi's business team will be on hand to answer questions specific to the city, while showing off the various free marketing tools available to all businesses. The event is being held at the Novi Public Library in an effort to highlight the resources on hand for business owners.

More details will be highlighted in upcoming editions of the Novi Business Connection, including the other business partners that will be in attendance and the resources they offer.

Make sure you save the date (Tuesday, May 24, 8-10am) because this is going to be a networking opportunity you will not want to miss!

Showcase your company at Manufacturing Day 2016

County program lets businesses advertise operations to future workforce

The best marketing tool for any business trying to attract potential employees is giving them a behind-the-scenes look at how the company is run.

And thanks to Oakland County and Manufacturing Day 2016, businesses can show students what a modern manufacturing plant looks like and the opportunities available to them in the profession.

Last year, more than 25 manufacturers in Oakland County opened their doors for half a day to small groups of students interested in a manufacturing career. The response was overwhelmingly positive and helped students learn about what they need to do pursue a possible career.

Manufacturing Day 2016 takes place on Friday, October 7. For more information or to sign up, contact Nancy Thompson at thompsonn@oakgov.com or 248.858.1892.

Learn new ways to grow and market your business

Library resources, SCORE group offer helpful tips

Business owners looking for an edge or even just a few tips have several resources available to them through the Novi Public Library.

The Mel database, BusinessDecision from Civic Technologies, is a robust tool for businesses and entrepreneurs seeking business-to-consumer market data. It contains company profiles, product/brand information and market share data. An overview session is slated for April 12; Market Segmentation and LandScape will be presented on March 18. You can view the full schedule and register for a free training at civictechnologies.com/training.

Another tool for those starting a business or wanting to improve an existing one is SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives). Business owners can sign up for a one-hour appointment at 10:30am, 11:30am or 12:30pm on March 18 or April 20. Register online here or to request an appointment time not listed email msimari@novilibrary.org.

See all the various programs the library has to offer businesses, including how to start, manage and grow your business with ReferenceUSA online here.

Opportunities to work in Novi

Bagger Dave's, AirTime Trampoline looking for employees

Come work in Novi!!

Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern, located at 26054 Novi Road, is now hiring for allpositions. The company is looking to hire employees who want to have fun, work hard, enjoy great benefits and strive for growth.

Job opportunities available include: managing partner, assistant managing partner, manager, cashiers, cooks, bartenders and servers.

For more information about the jobs or to apply online, click here.

The new AirTime Trampoline and Game Park is opening soon at the Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk. Those interested in working at one of Novi's newest attractions can stop in between 10am-4pm until March 18 with their resume and two forms of identification for an on the spot interview. The Novi location is at 44255 Twelve Mile Road

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Learn ways to launch, grow & improve your business

Are you an entrepreneur that's ready to launch a new business? Maybe yours is an established company ready to grow to the next phase, or you're simply seeking assistance to help improve office efficiency and workforce skills. Whatever your motivation, the Business Development Center (BDC) at Schoolcraft College was designed to help you take your operation to the next level of excellence.

Whether you need to develop the workforce, explore opportunities for growth, research and analyze the market or evaluate financial or legal issues, the BDC can help.

The Michigan Small Business Development Center network provides a full range of services for a variety of small businesses that are emerging and growing throughout Michigan - including new venture companies, existing small businesses, expanding businesses, new technology companies, and innovators.

A variety of seminars are available throughout the month of March and April for those seeking assistance. A list of events can be found here.

Feedback needed for Thoroughfare Master Plan

Plan important component of transportation planning efforts

The City of Novi is in the process of preparing a Thoroughfare Master Plan for the City. The intent is to establish physical and cultural environments that support and encourage safe, comfortable and convenient travel by a variety of modes - vehicle, bicycle or pedestrian.

This plan will serve as a blueprint for future development of Novi's transportation network and assist the City's decision makers to identify strategic and sustainable investments.

An important aspect is soliciting public input, which can be done via the Community Remarks online forum. This forum allows residents and business owners to add their comment directly to a map of the City and also see what their neighbors have to say.

Any questions or comments about the Thoroughfare Master Plan may be sent to Barbara McBeth, City Planner, at bmcbeth@cityofnovi.org.