In September, we recognized the beginning of #WelcomingWeek2025 alongside our strategic partners, Oakland County, Michigan Government, who celebrated their fifth anniversary of joining Welcoming America. Welcoming Week is an annual celebration to showcase the work of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all. Oakland Thrive was proud to have a resource table alongside other community partners. We shared information about our programs, including the Global Resource Program, and Spanish speaking staff members were on hand to answer questions.
Oakland Thrive, in partnership with Strategic Thinktank, successfully hosted the Becoming Bankable Essentials Lender Readiness Cohort this August and beginning of September. Over three intensive sessions, participating entrepreneurs gained practical tools to strengthen financial management, refine business plans, and prepare for capital financing opportunities. The program engaged early-stage, micro-, and second-stage businesses across Oakland County that are at least two years old, all committed to pursuing funding within the next 6–12 months. Participants left with enhanced financial literacy, greater lender readiness, and clearer pathways to access resources from SSBCIs, CDFIs, and local banks. By addressing the unique challenges faced by small businesses, the cohort advanced Oakland Thrive’s mission of driving economic growth, supporting underserved entrepreneurs, and contributing to an increased financial literacy knowledge on the personal and business side for entrepreneurs.
In September, Oakland Thrive launched Fish Tank, a dynamic, in-person networking experience, designed to help local entrepreneurs connect, learn, and grow. Each session offers a collaborative space where small business owners can pitch their ideas, share challenges, and receive constructive feedback from fellow entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Expect high-energy networking, real problem-solving, and free expert insights—all in just two hours.
Our Fish Tank series this fall is based in New Hudson, Michigan, hosted at Biggby Coffee (30771 Milford Rd.) from 8:30-10 AM. It’s a cozy space “where ideas swim, connect, and grow.” Entrepreneurs, consultants, and community members come together like a school of fish to share insights and inspiration. Each quarter, Fish Tank moves to a new corner of Oakland County, keeping ideas, and opportunities, in constant motion. This season, we also introduced our Book Swap, inviting attendees to exchange the reads that have shaped their journeys. Because when we share knowledge, we all thrive together.
