With two major road projects underway in Eastpointe, Economic Development Director Ian McCain knows many of the area’s small businesses are going to need some extra support.

Eastpointe’s Economic Development Department is partnering with over 30 Business Support Organizations to host a Small Business Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 30 from 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. The fair will take place at Eastpointe City Hall located at 23200 Gratiot Avenue.

“The city is hosting the event primarily to provide small business support for those that are affected by the major construction projects going on in the city this year,” said McCain.

The ongoing Nine Mile Road reconstruction project is already underway for the season between Gratiot and Tuscany avenues and water mains are being replaced on northbound Gratiot Avenue between Toepfer and 10 Mile roads and between Nine Mile and 10 Mile roads in the southbound lanes.

Financial institutions, government agencies, non-profits, business accelerators are among the entities that will be present at the Small Business Resource Fair to help local businesses address their needs.

The event is geared toward Eastpointe businesses but is open to anyone in Macomb County.

“There will be resources for every kind of business,” said McCain. “We hosted a similar event two years ago towards the beginning of the Modern Nine Main Street Project that included an hour project presentation from city officials.

“This year, we decided to focus the event around one-on-one connections between Eastpointe small business owners, and the main points of contact for our local Business Support Organizations.”

McCain said the city plans to host more events like this in the future and looks at the April 30 event as a way to help his department identify specific business needs.

CDC Small Business Finance will provide lunch for the first 100 vendors and attendees.

“There is help available for small business owners who have been affected by nearby construction projects,” said Jennifer Moon, a Michigan-based loan officer with CDC Small Business Finance, part of the Momentus Capital branded family of organizations. “I encourage small business owners to attend this fair, and learn about the resources that could be available to them.”

Registration for Eastpointe’s Small Resource Fair is not required, but is highly encouraged so the city can get an accurate headcount. Visit cityofeastpointe.net for more information.

“Small business owners are the lifeblood of our community,” said McCain. “We hope this event provides the support they need to deal with construction and other events that impact their business.”

To learn more about ways Eastpointe’s Economic Development Department is working through partnerships to support small businesses, visit cityofeastpointe.net/business The Business Support Organizations page provides an updated list of organizations that provide resources to small businesses in Eastpointe. Additionally, the News and Events page provides an overview of business events, funding, and similar opportunities in the region to support local business.