Whether you’re starting a business, growing an existing company, or overcoming operational challenges, receive personalized guidance from Oakland Thrives’s Start-up & Turnaround Specialist, Donna Bauer.
Each participant will receive actionable recommendations, identified next steps, and connections to relevant resources and support services. Sessions are designed to help business owners evaluate their current situation, address obstacles, and develop practical strategies for sustainable growth.
Appointments will be scheduled in advance and require registration and completion of a business intake form.
- Startups
- Existing Small Businesses
- Family-Owned Businesses
- Retail Stores
- Service Businesses
- Home-Based Businesses
- Restaurants
Topics We Can Discuss:
● Starting a business
● Increasing sales
● Business turnaround strategies
● Financial management
● Cash flow improvement
● Marketing and customer growth
● Staffing challenges
● Funding opportunities
● Strategic planning
During Your Session We Will:
● Evaluate your current business performance
● Identify growth opportunities
● Review cash flow concerns
● Discuss operational challenges
● Explore funding options
● Connect you with valuable local resources
- What's working
- What's not working
- What to do next
This form must be completed before securing your spot for a consultation. Once you have done this, then grab a ticket for one of the available time slots.
Meet With Donna Bauer
With more than 30 years of experience in hospitality, retail, and service industries, Donna helps businesses start strong, turn challenges into opportunities, and achieve long-term success.
Before problems become crises, get an expert opinion on your business, and leave with solutions.
Reserve your one-hour confidential consultant today!
Donna Bauer, Business Startup & Turnaround Specialist
Donna Bauer is Oakland Thrive's Hospitality, Retail & Service Industry Specialist for Oakland County and a Business Startup & Turnaround Specialist. She helps entrepreneurs launch new businesses, strengthen existing companies, and transform struggling operations into profitable, sustainable enterprises through strategic planning, financial analysis, and operational improvement. Known for her practical, hands-on approach, Donna works one-on-one with business owners to identify challenges, uncover growth opportunities, and develop customized strategies that improve profitability and support long-term success. Since joining Oakland Thrive, she has successfully helped hundreds of small business owners/entrepreneurs evaluate their businesses and create actionable plans for success. With decades of executive leadership, consulting, and hospitality experience, Donna has worked with restaurants, banquet facilities, cottage food businesses, bars, cafés, food manufacturers, caterers, retail businesses, and other service-based companies throughout Oakland County. Her expertise includes business startups, turnarounds, financial planning, operational systems, licensing, marketing strategy, and business expansion. Donna earned her MBA with a specialization in Finance from Walsh College and previously served many years as a Culinary Professor for a renowned culinary school. She is recognized for combining financial expertise with real-world operational experience to help business owners solve complex challenges and build stronger, more successful businesses. (248)466-9603
bauerd@oaklandthrive.org