Northwest Michigan SBDC names Sunrise Bliss Best Small Business in their 10-county region. Sunrise Bliss will be honored at the 17th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses gala event on Tuesday, July 20.
The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides small businesses with low-cost training and counseling support. They strive to provide Michigan with new jobs and aim to increase economic growth by assessing and meeting the needs of small businesses. SBDC works with a multitude of clients ensuring that they are able to reach their full potential and create an impact along the way.
Sunrise Bliss is owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Pam and Christian Colby in Petoskey, Mich. They make organic cotton t-shirt hair towels designed to dry hair gently while improving hair health.
Pam Colby said, “The SBDC has been guiding us along this venture since before day one. It all started in August 2016 with a workshop on starting a business. The following month, we were ready to file our DBA in Emmet County. SBDC Consultant Samantha McDonald has consistently been by our side since we were paired together in our early stages. Samantha has made a significant impact on our business over the years, from encouraging and coaching us through the NLEA Emmet Entrepreneur Challenge to reviewing SEO report findings on our website to most recently helping us apply for the CARES Act Services, with plenty of mentoring, check-ins, and supportive nudges in between.”
To be recognized as a Best Small Business, awardees must be a Michigan SBDC client. Each of the Michigan SBDC Regional Centers submit one company to be recognized. Representing all regions of the state and a diverse range of industries, companies like Sunrise Bliss are known for their ability to persevere through challenging times, their entrepreneurial drive, and their hunger for innovation.
The Northwest MI-SBDC is hosted by Networks Northwest in Traverse City and covers the Northwest Region of Lower Michigan consisting of ten counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford.
Samantha McDonald, Contract Business Consultant for Northwest MI-SBDC / Networks Northwest, nominated Sunrise Bliss for their region. She said, “Pam and Christian are extremely deserving of this award. They have worked so hard to build this business from scratch and have found ways to be creative and grow the business amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. They continue to look for ways to benefit their community, including making and donating masks during the pandemic. It has been my privilege to work with them and I am looking forward to their continued relationship with the SBDC as their business continues to thrive. They are an excellent example of what can be achieved by other small businesses in Northern Michigan!”
Colby said, “This recognition represents our valued relationship with the SBDC. We look forward to representing northwest Michigan and celebrating with our fellow small business honorees at the gala this summer.”
“In this past year, Michigan small businesses have been tested like never before,” commented J.D. Collins, State Director, Michigan SBDC. “They’ve shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing climate. From the 140 business consultants at the Michigan SBDC, cheers to your entrepreneurial spirit, cheers to your grit and determination, congratulations to this year’s awardees. It’s an honor serving you.”
Michigan Celebrates Small Business hopes to celebrate small business success in-person at the Breslin Center in East Lansing on July 20. At this time MCSB is planning for a hybrid approach to the celebration, offering a virtual and in-person experience. If an in-person gala is permitted, MCSB will comply with CDC, state, and Michigan State University guidelines.
About Sunrise Bliss®
Sunrise Bliss® makes organic cotton t-shirt hair towels designed to dry hair gently while improving hair health. The towel is lightweight and stays in place, making it the perfect partner for the everyday getting-ready routine. Towels and their organic cotton byproducts can be purchased online or through their retailers located across the US. Learn more at sunrisebliss.com.
About Northwest MI-SBDC/Networks Northwest
The Northwest Michigan SBDC enhances their region’s economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training, and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses, and advanced technology companies. With headquarters at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids and 11 regional offices, they provide entrepreneurs and business owners with convenient access to counseling, training, and research throughout Michigan. The Michigan SBDC is committed to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion through equitable outreach and service to Michigan’s diverse business community.
The Northwest MI-SBDC is hosted by Networks Northwest and covers the Northwest Region of Lower Michigan consisting of ten counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, and Wexford. Learn more at https://www.networksnorthwest.org/.
About Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses
Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses is a non-profit (501c3) organization that is composed of statewide founding organizations that provide small businesses with resources to help their company grow. MCSB has Since 2005, their awards gala has celebrated and honored the impact small businesses have on our communities and state. MCSB makes small businesses their priority and will continue to support, connect, and celebrate small businesses in Michigan.
Michigan Celebrates Small Business is a partnership of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Edward Lowe Foundation, Small Business Association of Michigan, U.S. Small Business Administration, Michigan Business Network and the Michigan Small Business Development Center.
Kinexus Group is the Managing Partner of 2021 Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala.
Information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business can be found at www.MichiganCelebrates.org
