Business + Diversity + Inclusion = Momentum
Momentum is a minority and women owned business education and mentorship program targeted toward those in business for less than five years and are actively seeking growth strategies.
Course Guidelines
Participants will meet for six (6) educational sessions. Sessions are held from 5-7pm at the Chamber of Commerce Office. In addition to the scheduled sessions, participants must attend a program orientation, four (4) Percolator Breakfast Meetings, and two (2) Small Business Events.
Course Completion
Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion suitable to include in funding requests to financial institutions as well as a one-year complimentary Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce membership.
Class Size
Limited to 20 people.
Course Guidelines
Participants will meet for six (6) educational sessions. Sessions are held from 5-7pm at the Chamber of Commerce Office. In addition to the scheduled sessions, participants must attend a program orientation, four (4) Percolator Breakfast Meetings, and two (2) Small Business Events.
Course Completion
Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion suitable to include in funding requests to financial institutions as well as a one-year complimentary Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce membership.
Class Size
Limited to 20 people.
Seminar/Workshop Descriptions
Creating Your Business Structure
This session will introduce you to the Momentum Program and provide an overview of what to expect. Then we'll discuss decisions to consider when setting up your business structure. Choosing for your business to operate as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC (Limited Liability Company), S-Corporation, or C-Corporation will impact all future business decisions you make.
Business Funding
Funding and budgeting are important aspects of maintaining and growing any business. It is vital to know the benefits and drawbacks of each potential funding source to select the ideal resource to meet your business goals. This session will explore various types of funding sources and options available to business owners including those targeted towards small, minority and underserved population businesses. We'll also discuss budgeting for your business. If you do not budget, your money will flow out of your business account without direction. Budgeting ensures that your business spending matches your business priorities.
Marketing, Branding and PR
Dig Deeper: Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning helps define your vision for the future of your business including goals and objectives. It also helps you develop plans for allocating resources to attain your identified goals. Strategies should include mapping long-term plans, fostering innovative thinking, and anticipating and mitigating potential business pitfalls. In this session, we'll cover three key elements of strategic planning: long-range planning, operational planning, and strategic thinking.
Forecasting
Forecasting is a decision-making process used by many businesses to help with budgeting, planning and estimating future growth. We'll cover the practice of making predictions based on past and present data, anticipating change, reducing uncertainty, and identifying the best ways to achieve your goals.
Implementation
Business Implementation is the process of putting your strategies and plans into action to accomplish your objectives and goals. We'll go over several steps in the business implementation process including setting clear goals, determining roles and responsibilities, delegating the workload, executing the plan and monitoring and documenting your performance.
Certificate Ceremony
Upon completion of all course requirements, participants will celebrate their accomplishment at a graduation ceremony featuring dinner, keynote speaker, and presentation of the Momentum Certificate of Completion and Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Membership Certificate.
This session will introduce you to the Momentum Program and provide an overview of what to expect. Then we'll discuss decisions to consider when setting up your business structure. Choosing for your business to operate as a Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, LLC (Limited Liability Company), S-Corporation, or C-Corporation will impact all future business decisions you make.
Business Funding
Funding and budgeting are important aspects of maintaining and growing any business. It is vital to know the benefits and drawbacks of each potential funding source to select the ideal resource to meet your business goals. This session will explore various types of funding sources and options available to business owners including those targeted towards small, minority and underserved population businesses. We'll also discuss budgeting for your business. If you do not budget, your money will flow out of your business account without direction. Budgeting ensures that your business spending matches your business priorities.
Marketing, Branding and PR
- Marketing your business makes new and existing customers aware of your products and services. It engages them and helps them make a buying decision.
- Branding is the process of creating a distinct identity for your business in the mind of your target audience and consumers.
- Public Relations helps manage perceptions and how people think about your business.
Dig Deeper: Strategic Planning
Strategic Planning helps define your vision for the future of your business including goals and objectives. It also helps you develop plans for allocating resources to attain your identified goals. Strategies should include mapping long-term plans, fostering innovative thinking, and anticipating and mitigating potential business pitfalls. In this session, we'll cover three key elements of strategic planning: long-range planning, operational planning, and strategic thinking.
Forecasting
Forecasting is a decision-making process used by many businesses to help with budgeting, planning and estimating future growth. We'll cover the practice of making predictions based on past and present data, anticipating change, reducing uncertainty, and identifying the best ways to achieve your goals.
Implementation
Business Implementation is the process of putting your strategies and plans into action to accomplish your objectives and goals. We'll go over several steps in the business implementation process including setting clear goals, determining roles and responsibilities, delegating the workload, executing the plan and monitoring and documenting your performance.
Certificate Ceremony
Upon completion of all course requirements, participants will celebrate their accomplishment at a graduation ceremony featuring dinner, keynote speaker, and presentation of the Momentum Certificate of Completion and Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce Membership Certificate.
Congratulation to the Class of 2024
The second cohort of business owners completed the program and celebrated with a graduation ceremony on November 19, 2024. Congratulations to (l to r) George Copeland,
Apply for the 2026 Cohort
Applications accepted through December 31, 2025 for the 2026 program. Notification of acceptance into the program in early January 2026.
2026 Class Dates
January 13, 5 – 6 p.m. | Orientation
February 3, 5 – 7 p.m. | Sesson 1
April 7, 5 – 7 p.m. | Session 2
June 2, 5 – 7 p.m. | Session 3
August 4, 5 – 7 p.m. | Session 4
October 6, 5- 7 p.m. | Session 5
November 3, 5 – 7 p.m. | Session 6
December 1, 5 – 7 p.m. | Momentum Graduation
In addition to the above dates, participants are required to attend four Perc Breakfasts and one Chamber 101 Session of their choice. Online registration is required.
Follow these links for event dates: Perc Breakfast Calendar | Chamber 101 Calendar
February 3, 5 – 7 p.m. | Sesson 1
April 7, 5 – 7 p.m. | Session 2
June 2, 5 – 7 p.m. | Session 3
August 4, 5 – 7 p.m. | Session 4
October 6, 5- 7 p.m. | Session 5
November 3, 5 – 7 p.m. | Session 6
December 1, 5 – 7 p.m. | Momentum Graduation
In addition to the above dates, participants are required to attend four Perc Breakfasts and one Chamber 101 Session of their choice. Online registration is required.
Follow these links for event dates: Perc Breakfast Calendar | Chamber 101 Calendar
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Thank you to our Chairman's Circle Sponsors
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SILVER LEVEL
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