Highland Businesses Learn About How to Thrive
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Feb. 24, 2025)
Highland Township, MI – The Highland Business community came together on Feb. 14 for coffee and the Highland Township fire station with Highland White Lake Business Association and Oakland Thrive.
Drake Phifer was the featured speaker for the morning. Phifer is the Regional Small Business Consultant for Oakland Thrive. his job is to help entrepreneurs in Highland, South Lyon, Lyon Township, Wixom, Novi, Wolverine Lake, and Walled Lake.
Two years ago Phifer was working with the Oakland County Business Center in Waterford. When Oakland Thrive was launched just over a year ago, he took the opportunity to help support business owners in a way that “meets them where they are at.”
“Thrive is trying to shift our support opportunities to people out in the community,” he said. “This is a better way to serve businesses rather than having to drive to Pontiac or Waterford to get these consultations.”
One way Thrive can help is by providing 4-7 hours of consulting to small businesses, covering topics such as human resources, accounting, marketing, business planning, IT and more.
In addition to consulting, Thrive offers up networking events, including the hugely successful One Million Cups coffees on Wednesdays in Ferndale. “It’s a bit of a drive from Highland, but that’s a great opportunity to connect with businesses and resources across the county.”
Thrive also offers events and workshops. These take place in various locations across the county, as well as some that are virtual.
The event also gave Highland White Lake Business Association members a chance to share info about their businesses and to network. HWLBA offers a number of benefits to entrepreneurs as well. According to their website, “In addition to forming lasting friendships with other proactive leaders in and around our community, each member is given exposure through our online, customizable business listing . Additional benefits include bi-monthly networking opportunities, quarterly Women In Business events, special advertising opportunities and the opportunity to host a monthly coffee.”
HWLBA Director Ann Giese is excited that Thrive is helping local businesses. “The Highland White Lake Business Association and Oakland Thrive share an important common goal – to support & nurture local businesses of all sizes,” Giese said. “Together we foster innovation, collaboration, and growth by sharing resources, hosting events, and providing each other referrals. We truly value the relationship and continue to find new and unique ways to work together.”
Learn more about Oakland Thrive at https://oaklandthrive.org/
Learn more about Highland White Lake Business Association at https://www.hwlba.com/
