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Season 2, Episode 8: Kisha Smith – Fueling Small Business in Saginaw

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, we’re highlighting the local support systems powering entrepreneurship in Saginaw, Michigan.

Courtney sits down with Kisha Smith, Coordinator at the Saginaw Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), to talk about how SEDC is helping small businesses thrive through accessible micro and macro lending programs.

Kisha breaks down what it takes to apply, why a business plan and financial statements are key, and how SEDC is showing up for entrepreneurs beyond just funding—like at the upcoming Small Business Expo on August 28th, which will feature food trucks, entertainment, and mini-grant opportunities.

🎧 Tune in and learn how Saginaw is creating space for small businesses to grow and win.
👉 www.cmurc.com/elmpodcast

#EntrepreneurLikeMe #SaginawEntrepreneurs #SEDC #SmallBusinessSupport #GreatLakesBayRegion #BusinessResources

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

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Season 2, Episode 7: Christiana Malacara – Purpose, Power & Platform

We’re back and better than ever with an inspiring episode featuring Christiana Malacara, founder of That’s What She Said Radio Show and 3rd Eye Marketing.

Christiana is a powerful voice in the Great Lakes Bay Region—connecting communities, empowering women, and elevating the Latino voice through media, networking, and bold authenticity.

In this episode, she shares how discipline today creates freedom tomorrow, and why showing up, even when it’s hard, matters most. Christiana breaks down what it means to build your platform with purpose and reminds us all that representation is power.

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite streaming platform.
Learn more: www.cmurc.com/elmpodcast

#EntrepreneurLikeMe #ChristianaMalacara #3rdEyeMarketing #ThatsWhatSheSaid #LatinaLeader #GreatLakesBayRegion #InclusiveEntrepreneurship

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!

Send us a text

What happens when a tech entrepreneur brings Silicon Valley vision back to his hometown?

In Episode 6 of Entrepreneur Like Me, we sit down with Shane Emmons, Founder and CEO of Swept.AI, a rising AI company that recently secured a pre-seed investment led by Chicago-based VC firm M25.

But for Shane, the mission is deeper than tech—it's about investing in people, potential, and place. As a Saginaw native, Shane is determined to prove that innovation can start anywhere—and thrive in unexpected places.

In this episode, we talk about:
💡 What it takes to build a startup in AI
🏙️ Why Saginaw still feels like home
🚀 The power of believing in untapped talent

This one is for anyone who's ever dreamed big—right from their hometown.

Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) – Make it in Michigan with the support of a robust partner network designed to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more at michiganbusiness.org.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the ELM Podcast!

If you enjoyed this episode be sure to subscribe for more inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs and business leaders.

Connect with us:

• Follow us on Instagram: @cmuresearchcorp
• Visit our website: www.cmurc.com/elm

Don't forget to leave us a review and share this episode with your friends. Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the journeys of extraordinary individuals in the world of business and innovation. Until next time, keep exploring, learning, and making an impact!