LANSING — Budding entrepreneurs can find information about starting their own business by participating in upcoming webinars and seminars offered by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), said Sen. John Proos.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy — creating more than 70 percent of all new jobs in Southwest Michigan,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “Helping new entrepreneurs succeed in starting and growing a new business is vital to expanding new opportunities for Michigan residents — enabling us to build on positive results.”

According to the 12th Edition of the Michigan Entrepreneurship Score Card, Michigan ranks in the top 10 in numerous areas, including growth in establishments gaining jobs, small business payroll growth and 5-year survival rate.

“I encourage anyone who wants to know more about how they can best position their new business for success to participate in an upcoming webinar or seminar,” Proos said. “They are free and filled with great information from experts on a wide range of topics.”

The “Understanding Your Options for Raising Capital in Michigan” seminars will cover several topics including: the new federal crowdfunding rules; crafting a winning investor pitch; venture capital; long-term planning; and protecting yourself from arbitration, civil litigation and potential criminal liability.

The webinars will be held on Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. on March 16 and 30, April 13 and 27 and May 11 and 18. Each webinar will cover a different topic.

To see the listings of webinar topics and to register for a webinar, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/KFF8ZWY.

The seminars will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. On May 17, a seminar will be held at Grand Valley State University, L. William Seidman Center, 1063 Seidman Center, 50 Front St. SW, in Grand Rapids.

Seating is limited. Register for this seminar at w2.lara.state.mi.us/CapitalSeminar.

For more information, visit LARA’s website at www.michigan.gov/LARA and click on “Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing” on the left and then on “Entrepreneurs, Know Your Options for Raising Capital.”