Two trade groups debuted a new association health plan for Michigan small businesses as employers prepare to enter the annual open enrollment period for 2019 health insurance policies.

The association health plan created by two trade groups representing small businesses in Michigan offers a new option for employers to consider for their employee health benefits.

For many small business owners, the idea of trying to manage energy usage and utility relationships can be a bit overwhelming. Would energy efficiency upgrades really impact a bottom line? Who can assist when there are outage issues? Is the price being paid for service at the correct rate?

LANSING — The Small Business Association of Michigan wants to build on the state’s past efforts in economic development policy while also creating continuity from one governor’s administration to the next.

After the large gains made coming out of the recession nearly a decade ago, Michigan’s small business climate shows signs of losing momentum for continued improvement.

More than 130 startups sought capital this year from a state-backed fund, far exceeding expectations and serving as another example of the need for funding at the earliest stages of the capital continuum.

Health insurance rates for small businesses in 2018 stand in sharp contrast to the state of the individual market in Michigan.

Health insurance rates for small businesses in Michigan will increase an average of 4 percent for 2018.

Over the past decade, many small business owners put off expansions or capital equipment purchases for as long as they could.

Between 2007 and mid-2012, with Michigan’s economy in the grips of the Great Recession, more than 100,000 residents went to work for themselves either as sole proprietors or operators of small businesses.