by Sharon Hanks
Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center
Published: June 21, 2010
Someone forgot to tell Floriza Genautis the country is in a recession,
with Michigan especially facing economic uncertainty. The talent
recruitment firm founded by Genautis in downtown Grand Rapids has
been growing quickly since it opened its doors in 2006.
In recognition of its growth, the Michigan Small Business & Technology
Development Center named Genautis’ company called Management
Business Solutions, Inc. as its recepient of the 2009 Best Small
Business Award from the West Michigan region, one of 12 companies
selected in each of the state’s 12 regions.
The award is the latest in a long list of accolades honoring the business
acumen of Genautis, a Philippine native who migrated to California
after college and moved to her husband Rob’s hometown of Grand
Rapids several years ago with their daughter Isabel, now 7 years old.
Located at 77 Monroe Ave. NW, the company now employs six and
has clients spanning from the Midwest to California.
Genautis says she was “speechless,” when she learned MBS had won
the award, attributing the recognition to the collaboration of her
employees. “It was a team effort to lead us where we’re at,” she says.
“Without the team and everyone’s willingness to step up to the plate,
we wouldn’t be here.”
That teamwork continues to build growth. “We’re looking at the first half
of this year and we’ve increased by 50 percent,” she says. Among
MBS’s local clients are Meijer and Steelcase.
She also credits MBS’s success to the advice she has received from the Small Business and Technology
Development Center. In the fall of 2006, she sought help from the SBTDC with an idea as to what the ideal
talent recruitment firm would be. Working with Regional Director Dante Villarreal, she developed a business
plan and continued to meet with him monthly for help reviewing and executing the strategy.
“I still see Dante every month,” Genautis says. “The SBTDC has been very significant in making sure we are
always headed in the right direction.”
This past fall, MBS received its SBA 8(a) certification which qualifies it to bid on federal contracts. Last year
Genautis was named Minority Entrepreneur of the Year by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
The SBTDC provides counseling, training and advocacy for Michigan’s new business ventures, existing small
businesses, expanding businesses, new technology, and innovators. It is housed at Grand Valley State
University’s Seidman College of Business in downtown Grand Rapids.