Business Resource Networks new

Business Resource Networks — Northwest Michigan Works!

Business Resource Networks (BRNs) help employers strengthen their workforce by addressing the real-world barriers that can keep employees from showing up, staying on the job, and being productive. Rather than focusing only on hiring, BRNs help businesses retain and develop the talent they already have — which can lower turnover, cut recruiting costs, and build a more engaged team.

What Is a Business Resource Network (BRN)?

A Business Resource Network provides on-site support to employees through a professional Success Coach who becomes an extension of your company’s human resources efforts. The coach works directly with employees — especially those facing challenges that could affect their job stability — to connect them with community resources and solutions that help them succeed both at work and in life.

With employer contributions and support from community partners, the Success Coach spends dedicated time each week at your workplace, offering personalized assistance with challenges that might otherwise lead to absenteeism, turnover, or reduced productivity.

How BRN Helps Your Business

Strengthen employee retention and reduce turnover costs:
Employees are more likely to stay when they get the support they need to overcome life’s challenges — from housing and transportation to childcare and legal or mental health concerns.

Boost productivity and workplace stability:
When barriers to consistent attendance and engagement are addressed, workers can focus on performance — helping your business operate more smoothly and efficiently.

Support your HR team:
Success Coaches act as an extension of you — providing one-on-one employee support that complements your internal HR efforts.

What Services Success Coaches Provide

Success Coaches help employees work through barriers that may interfere with job success. Typical assistance includes connecting workers to:

  • Transportation support
  • Childcare resources
  • Housing assistance
  • Referrals for health or mental health services
  • Legal or financial/budgeting guidance
  • Other community-based solutions

These services are confidential and focused on helping employees stabilize their lives so they can remain productive contributors to your workforce.

 

Employer Participation & Local Impact

Northwest Michigan Works! connects employers with the BRN model in your region. BRN Success Coaches work directly with member companies and provide high-impact services that help both employees and businesses grow.

Whether you’re a small business or a larger employer, joining a Business Resource Network can be a powerful strategy to “invest in your workforce” — improving stability, increasing loyalty, and strengthening your ability to compete in today’s tight labor market.

 

Meet our Charlevoix/Emmet BRN employer members:

East Jordan Plastics, Inc Kilwins Petoskey Plastics   

 

Learn More or Get Started

To find out how your business can join the BRN and start benefiting from on-site workforce support:

Contact the BRN Success Coach  or reach out to the Northwest Michigan Works! Business Services team through your local service center.

Kate Stolarski,
BRN Success Coach
231.534.4113
Contact Form
Rob Dickinson, 
Regional Director of Business Services
231.929.5053
Contact Form

You can also connect with Northwest Michigan Works! for employer support, recruitment help, and other business resources at your nearest office.

Thank You to our Supporting Partners!

Huntington