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Marcus Martin – Building Communities Through Access to Capital

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, Courtney sits down with Marcus Martin, Community Development Manager at Lake Trust Credit Union, to talk about how financial institutions can do more than just provide banking—they can transform lives and fuel entrepreneurship.

Marcus shares insights on:

• The importance of financial inclusion for small business owners
• Programs and lending resources Lake Trust offers entrepreneurs
• Common barriers to accessing capital—and how to overcome them
• Why building trust and relationships matters as much as funding
• How partnerships with community organizations help create long-term impact

With years of experience bridging finance and community development, Marcus brings practical tips and an inspiring perspective for entrepreneurs looking to grow and scale.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation about capital, community, and the power of access.

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 9: Andrew Lay – Outsmarting Google & Elevating Your Marketing

In this episode of the Entrepreneur Like Me Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Lay, Founder & Owner of Hierographx—a full-service digital agency driven by innovation and problem solving. With over 25 years in digital marketing and more than a decade as a local business owner, Andrew brings proven strategies to help entrepreneurs show up, get found, and grow.

We talk practical tips for entrepreneurs just getting started, easy ways to elevate your marketing, and how to finally understand what drives local rankings on Google. Andrew also shares his free guide at outsmartgoogle.com
—breaking down the exact steps businesses can take to land in the Google Map Pack and turn searches into sales.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated about not showing up online, this episode is packed with insights you can start applying today.

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

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!