🎙️ Want to Learn More About ISM? Tune In! 🎙️
An economic development podcast featuring candid conversations with business leaders across Michigan.
International Strategic Management in Michigan has worked with 44 universities, 61 countries, delivered 2,200 training sessions, and assisted with 10,000 youth entrepreneurs.
Join Faris Alami and host Ed Clemente as they discuss Faris’ unique background and career. ISM, Inc. works in five practice areas that weave together including entrepreneurship, global leadership, community, technology, and education with the goal of cultivating the next generation of culturally diverse global leaders and entrepreneurs. Faris is an International business leader, Automation Alley Advisor, advised Goldman Sachs 10,000 small business program, is himself a podcast host, Blogger, Startup Grind host, MEDC partner, Leadership Oakland County and much more! You can also read the transcript from our conversation.
How are we different?
At International Strategic Management (ISM), we help organizations design and implement entrepreneurship and small business development programs tailored to their local communities. Our mission is to empower underrepresented and under-resourced populations and foster inclusive economic growth.
Empowering Organizations to support entrepreneurs where they are and Support Entrepreneurs to start where they are!
Empowering Organizations – We collaborate with economic development agencies, entrepreneur support organizations, universities, and government entities to design, implement, and enhance programs that enable their communities to start and grow businesses.
Supporting Entrepreneurs—We provide direct support to entrepreneurs through structured hands-on training programs, guided discussions, business planning, and funding readiness initiatives, equipping them with the resources and knowledge to launch or scale their businesses successfully.
We support entrepreneurs and small business owners where they are.
We understand that every entrepreneur and small business owner has a unique journey. As a leading U.S. advisory and consulting services provider in the economic development arena, we meet business owners where they are—whether they are just starting out, scaling up, or overcoming challenges.
Our approach is rooted in facilitation and peer-to-peer learning, not traditional lecture-style teaching. We believe that meaningful growth happens through collaboration, shared experiences, and active engagement.
By providing training, mentorship, and hands-on support, we empower entrepreneurs and small business owners to gain the tools, strategies, and confidence they need to thrive.
Let ISM support you in building a stronger business and business community.
We design and deliver programs and curriculums to empower entrepreneurs and small business communities.
We specialize in creating tailored programs and curriculums that equip entrepreneurs and small business owners with the essential tools, knowledge, and skills they need to succeed. From program design to hands-on implementation, we focus on providing impactful training, mentorship, funding strategies, business planning, and additional customized support that aligns with their unique needs.
Strategy and implementation is what we love. Our approach emphasizes facilitation and peer-to-peer learning, fostering collaboration, engagement, and shared experiences—building strong, supportive ecosystems that drive measurable growth and long-term success.
Let us partner with you to meet entrepreneurs and small business owners where they are. Together, we can empower them to overcome challenges, unlock opportunities, and build thriving businesses that strengthen their communities.
TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LOCAL AND GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURS
WE WORK GLOBALLY
Having consulted leaders in nearly every continent, ISM expertise is truly global. We've set up accelerators, tech transfer offices, facilitated workshops, and developed programs to foster the entrepreneurial spirit around the world. We work directly with entrepreneurs and with organizations supporting entrepreneurs around the globe including for profit and non profit businesses.