Series Overview
Farmington Community Library (FCL) invites you to our five-part Lunch & Learn Small Business Series, held each Tuesday from March 10 through April 7, 2026. We will meet each Tuesday for lunch, networking, and an opportunity to learn from local industry experts on a variety of topics that will help you start or grow your small business.
All Library events are free and open to the public. A library card is not required. Registration is required for each session.
Food will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their own lunch.
To request ADA accommodations, such as wheelchair access or sign language interpretation, please complete the Accommodation Request Form at least 10 days before the event.
Session Details
- Location: FCL Farmington Hills Auditorium, 32737 W. 12 Mile Rd.
- Dates: Tuesdays, March 10 – April 7, 2026
- Time: 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
March 10: Starting a Business
Starting a business is an exciting venture, but navigating the legal and practical requirements can be daunting. This session covers the fundamentals of business formation, including selecting the appropriate entity type, understanding formation requirements, and maintaining your business in good standing.
Speaker
Lee Flaherty
Attorney, Wright Beamer
March 17: Small Business Owners Panel Q&A
Hear from local business owners who have successfully started their own business and learn tips to navigate the process.
Moderator & Panelists
Deborah Crowley
CEO & Founder, Exclusive Elderly Resource Center
Moderator
Annette Compo
Co-Owner, Compo Medema Group
Dayan Douse, PhD
Founder & President, P.R.I.D.E Consulting
Vita Kawashima
CEO, Custom Advantage Marketing
Allante Taylor
CEO & Founder, A Taylor Media
March 24: Free Business Resources
Learn about the free resources, incentives, and grant opportunities available to those starting or maintaining small businesses, with an emphasis on support within the Cities of Farmington and Farmington Hills.
Panelists
Brandon Adolph
Outreach & Marketing Specialist Michigan District Office, U.S. Small Business Administration
Cristia Brockway
Development Director, City of Farmington Hills
Diana Dimitroff
Senior Business Consultant, Small Business Development Center, Southeast Michigan Region Headquarters
Marlon Lyons
Small Business Consultant, Oakland Thrive
Mary McGough
Mentor, SE MI SCORE
Jess Westendorf
Executive Director, Farmington DDA
March 31: Speed Networking
This interactive session offers a fresh approach to networking, helping you build meaningful and sustainable professional relationships. Don’t forget your business cards and your 30 second elevator pitch.
Speaker
Erica Lewis
Business Development Coordinator, Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce
April 7: Small Business Series Finale
Join us for the finale of the Small Business Series as Steve Annear shares the inspiring journey of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s Wellness and its impact on the Farmington Hills community.
Speaker
Steve Annear
CEO, Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s Wellness