Business owners across Southwest Michigan will have an opportunity later this month to step away from day-to-day operations and focus on improving how their companies run during a one-day Small Business Summit planned at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
The event, organized in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, is scheduled for March 31 at the university’s Chan Shun Hall.
Organizers describe the summit as a hands-on working session designed specifically for operating business owners who want clearer financial visibility, stronger internal systems and better decision-making tools without adding unnecessary complexity.
Participants will spend the day examining practical ways to detect business problems earlier, understand what drives profits and customer loyalty, and reduce the operational friction that often slows growth.
Focus on practical tools for owners
According to organizers, the program is built around helping owners leave with specific takeaways they can apply immediately — including signals to monitor in their business, simple frameworks to implement, and a 30- to 90-day action roadmap.
Sessions will address several core topics facing small businesses today, including:
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Identifying financial indicators that signal early risk or opportunity
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Monitoring cash flow and profit margins more effectively
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Understanding the drivers of repeat customer behavior
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Evaluating marketing based on measurable results
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Recognizing operational bottlenecks that rely too heavily on the owner
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Using artificial intelligence and analytics as practical support tools
The goal, organizers say, is not to introduce complicated new systems, but to help owners structure what they already do in ways that improve clarity and consistency.
Local business perspective
The keynote presentation will be delivered by Brian Maynard, founder of Forté Coffee.
Maynard will share lessons learned from building the Southwest Michigan coffee business, including early missteps, financial blind spots, hiring mistakes and operational systems he says he implemented later than he should have.
His keynote — titled “What I’d Do Differently If I Started My Business Today” — is intended to ground the day’s discussions in real-world business experience.
Regional economic perspective
The summit will open with remarks from Arthur Havlicek, president and CEO of the regional chamber.
Havlicek plans to highlight the role small businesses play in shaping Southwest Michigan’s economic future and the importance of collaboration between entrepreneurs, local leaders and institutions across the region.
Faculty-led sessions
Several faculty members from Andrews University will lead additional sessions focused on finance, decision-making and operational strategy.
Kimberly Pichot, dean of the university’s College of Professions, will present on AI and ESG leadership, exploring how small businesses can use artificial intelligence to strengthen communication and transparency with customers, employees and lenders.
Williams Peprah will focus on financial visibility, helping owners identify warning signs in their financial data before cash flow problems or declining margins create larger challenges.
Betty Gibson will lead a session on decision-making and analytics, examining how businesses can use data and technology to reduce guesswork and improve oversight.
Another session led by Armand Poblete will address digital transformation and operational efficiency, with a focus on reducing the common problem of too many decisions and processes being dependent on the business owner alone.
Designed for operating business owners
Organizers say the summit is intended primarily for owners and leaders of small and mid-size businesses looking for practical ways to strengthen operations and decision-making.
The event will run for the full day at Chan Shun Hall on the Andrews University campus.
Registration information and sign-up details are available through the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
