Guidance Counselor Elizabeth Levi’s students, seeking help with college admission essays, gave her a life-changing suggestion. “You should make this a business,” several college-bound students told her during virtual sessions after the pandemic. She took their advice: In 2022, after 35 years in Michigan’s public school system, Elizabeth launched Essay Help for Colleges. She has continued to grow her business with tailored, strategic support from Small Business Support from Ann Arbor SPARK and their partner organizations.
The Small Business Support Difference
Elizabeth’s entrepreneurial transformation exemplifies the power of the Small Business Support program, delivered through partnerships with Jewish Family Services and Washtenaw Community College (WCC). When a business coach from Jewish Family Services reached out, Elizabeth was initially skeptical. “I thought it was kind of like a scam,” she admits. But the program’s genuine value quickly became clear.
The $3,000 grant for social media marketing was just the beginning. Through WCC’s Entrepreneurship Center, Elizabeth received crucial technology training and an additional $500 scholarship for business development classes. The program’s SEO expertise proved particularly valuable; Essay Help for Colleges now appears at the top of search results for college essay help in her area.
“When my coach believed in it, I knew I was going to succeed. It felt like she was on my side,” Elizabeth says of her business coach’s support. Beyond funding, the program provided ongoing networking opportunities, seminars to expand her understanding of social media outreach, and personalized peer connections.
Elizabeth most values the encouragement and commitment of her business coach. “My coach’s consistency is so inspiring. I love the ways she follows through and makes sure your needs are being met. After each event or networking connection, she checks to see if it was valuable to me, then she searches for more opportunities.”
Proven Results and Sustainable Growth
Elizabeth’s client roster reflects her expertise—the majority of her students apply to Tier One institutions like the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. Her search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, a direct result of the guidance she received, keeps her pipeline full alongside word-of-mouth referrals.
The seasonal nature of college applications means Elizabeth’s busiest periods run from August through November. Business coach Mara encouraged her to explore scholarship assistance services to fill lighter periods while maintaining her core focus. “Mara is always looking for new ways for my business to grow,” she explains.
Elizabeth’s story illustrates how Small Business Support empowers experienced professionals to create thriving enterprises with partners Jewish Family Services and Washtenaw Community College. With this invaluable help, experienced professionals like Elizabeth can translate decades of expertise into flexible, profitable businesses. “Now that I’m on my own, I can’t imagine going back.”
About Small Business Support
Small Business Support from Ann Arbor SPARK provides no-cost coaching, mentorship, workshops, and resources to help entrepreneurs in Livingston, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties start and grow their businesses. Through a collaborative network of Business Support Partners, we offer expert guidance, technical assistance, and tools designed to strengthen local entrepreneurship, fuel innovation, and build long-term business success.
