4 Michigan Small Businesses Earn Spots Among America’s Best

Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy. Recently, the United States Chamber of Commerce unveiled its list of the top 70 small businesses in the nation. Four businesses on the list are based in Michigan.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce considered businesses from all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. They looked at factors like business growth, ability to overcome challenges, innovative strategies for success, and community engagement. These small businesses are gearing up to compete for one of seven finalist spots. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, roughly 15,000 small businesses in the U.S. submitted applications for consideration on this list.

The "America's Top Small Business Awards" by the Chamber is a celebration of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. "These 70 exceptional businesses have emerged as the vanguards of innovation and community engagement, setting the stage for the announcement of the Chamber’s annual "America's Top Small Business Awards” winner on Oct. 19," said the Chamber.

Included in their listing is BattleGR Tactical Games & Sports, located in Comstock Park. According to BattleGR’s website, they offer "mission-based challenges" suitable for both individuals and groups. Typical events they host include birthday parties, family gatherings, team-building sessions, homeschool group events, and special needs group gatherings.

Another establishment of note is Elderly Instruments Inc., located in Lansing. According to their website, they are a second-generation family-owned music store, offering a wide array of new, used, and vintage instruments, along with accessories and repair services.

Also featured is Mettle Ops in Sterling Heights, with a specialization in research, development, reverse engineering, program management, ground vehicle design, test and evaluation, system integration, and manufacturing support. Their strong presence in Army Acquisitions and federal government contracting earned them recognition from the Chamber.

Lastly, the list of recognized businesses in Michigan concludes with Perfect Circle Recycling in Grand Rapids. They provide a waste management solution to businesses, diverting waste from landfills to promote sustainability. The company's approach involves separating food waste from packaging and non-organic materials, assisting clients in achieving their waste reduction and environmental sustainability objectives.

See who else made the list of America’s Top Small Businesses here.

For those currently in the process of job hunting, the market is working in your favor right now. There are plenty of job opportunities available. Representatives from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget came together for a conference in Lansing on Tuesday. The event aimed to chart the course of the state's employment landscape for the next seven years. Additionally, they’re working to ensure people know about the jobs currently in high demand.

Yesterday, the DTMB and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity released two publications: Michigan’s Hot 50 and Michigan’s Career Outlook. Michigan’s Hot 50 brochure provides a comprehensive list of careers projected to have high demand and offer competitive wages, with the projections extending until 2030. This informative resource includes key details such as job titles, projected annual job openings, hourly wage ranges, insights into job growth, and the necessary education or training levels.

For people with a high school diploma and short-term training, several careers are expected to experience heightened demand over the next eight years. These careers include amusement and recreation attendants, animal caretakers, exercise trainers, group fitness instructors, bartenders, hosts, and hostesses.

On the other hand, for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, the demand is projected to be strong for professions including general and operations managers, accountants, auditors, medical and health services managers, physician assistants, and industrial engineers.

The information gathered in these lists is valuable for students and job seekers. It assists them in making informed decisions about their future paths.

"It is our goal to provide our education and workforce partners with the information they need to help Michiganders find their path to high-demand, high-wage jobs," Scott Powell, director of the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget's Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives, said in a news release.

Check out these five most in-demand jobs in Michigan, as highlighted by Michigan's Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. See the complete list here.

The projected annual job openings amount to 6,545, offering an hourly wage spanning from $29 to $72. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 11.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree alongside relevant work experience.

The projected annual job openings amount to 7,635, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $29. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12.7%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a postsecondary nondegree award, short-term on-the-job training, or a license.

The projected annual job openings amount to 8,240, offering an hourly wage spanning from $21 to $40. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 9.6%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include moderate on-the-job training.

The projected annual job openings amount to 6,345, offering an hourly wage spanning from $30 to $38. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 7.9%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree or s license.

The projected annual job openings amount to 1,420, offering an hourly wage spanning from $19 to $30. Anticipated growth from 2020 to 2030 stands at 12%. The usual educational and training prerequisites beyond high school for this role include a bachelor's degree or s license.