EAST LANSING, Mich. — This month, MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) took a hands-on approach to its mission of community empowerment, bringing together hundreds of people for two impactful events: The Culture of Finances Financial Forum and the Black Business Expo. The events, held Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, focused on providing tangible resources and support to individuals and small businesses.
The Culture of Finances is a community outreach financial literacy program launched by MSUFCU in 2023. It has supported more than 200 graduates in achieving financial literacy and freedom through a 12-week program. The Financial Forum was an opportunity for graduates to continue growing their financial knowledge and gain access to new tools.
The inaugural Culture of Finances Financial Forum offered advanced workshops on everything from credit management to mortgages, giving past program participants the next steps on their path to financial wellness. Guest speakers and panelists included experts and leaders from MSUFCU; the Michigan Education Trust; Lansing Community College; the NAACP; and Grit, Glam, and Guts.
“The Culture of Finances Financial Forum’s teachings solidified that I am on the right track with my personal finances and goals,” said participant FloResha Foreman. “I walked away with increased momentum and determination to continue my journey to ultimate financial freedom and peace.”
At the Black Business Expo, MSUFCU created a showcase for 35 Black-owned businesses from across Michigan. The event served as a networking hub, fostering new connections and providing vital exposure for entrepreneurs.
“Being a vendor at the MSUFCU Black Business Expo 2025 was a game-changing opportunity for Honey’s Nibbles & Bits,” said business owner Anna Rowsey. “This event didn’t just give us a table — it gave us a platform to connect with a powerful network of customers, fellow business owners, and community leaders who are passionate about supporting Black-owned businesses. The exposure we received has already opened new doors for partnerships and growth, and the energy in the room was nothing short of inspiring. The MSUFCU team went above and beyond to create a professional, well-organized, and welcoming environment that allowed our business to shine. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and highly recommend this event to any entrepreneur looking to elevate their brand and make meaningful connections.”
Other business owners shared what the expo meant to them.
“The MSUFCU Black Business Expo was absolutely phenomenal,” said Perisean Baltimore, owner of Blissful Life Candle Co. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to be a part, and we truly enjoyed ourselves. There was a great variety of vendors, and it was marketed well. We are not from Lansing; however, the community came out and supported this event immensely.”
“The staff was more than accommodating, the possible connections made were amazing, and the different types of vendors were outstanding,” said Colette Cain Ogletree, owner of BiodeLuxe.
The next Culture of Finances cohort will begin in September; visit the MSUFCU website to learn more.
ABOUT MSUFCU
Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For® by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 15 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work® for 11 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group; along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi, Collegiate, and Pillur Business Banking; trade name Oakland University Credit Union; and its foundation, the MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 36 branches; more than 370,000 members; $8.26 billion in assets; and 1,200-plus employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.
