Local Businesses Can Get Help

Here is a report from the MaComb County News:

Fledgling business told where to go for help, money
Wednesday, April 18,2012

David E. Corba Dean of business information ,information technology MACOMB COMMUNITY COLLEGE .PHOTO DAVID DALTON

By Gordon Wilczynski
gordie.wilczynski@macombdaily.com
A bus tour sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation of incubator programs in southeastern Michigan made it way to the Macomb OU INCubator in Sterling Heights on Tuesday to learn about the numerous programs and state and federal money that is available with the flick of a pen.
Julie Gustafson, executive director of the Macomb OU INCubator, said each year MEDC doles out $25 million in grants for early stage, high-growth potential technology business. Ten of the businesses are housed in the Macomb facility on 18 Mile Road east of Mound Road in Sterling Heights.
Gustafson said besides money, MEDC showcased to fledging businesses the tools available to get their business to another level. Before coming to Sterling Heights, the state-sponsor tour visited two other incubators and we going to one more before calling it a day.
The MEDC was created in April 1999 when 200 partners got together and offered their support throughout the state for people starting large businesses. The 34 program are funded by tobacco and casino revenues.
All of the programs are state funded and people looking for business help must screened to be eligible for free money. MEDC has a considerable amount of volunteerism and mentorship.
Kris Bergman, a consultant, said businesses who need help are mentored by businesses involved in incubators. Bergman said the incubator then describes what they can do to help the business in its infant stage.
Most of the businesses who are looking for help are in technology of some sort and need commercializing assistance. Providing help are 7 to 15 universities in Michigan, depending on the subject matter, that offer all kind of programs.
Besides other businesses, those seeking help at Macomb also have available expert professors from Oakland University.
“Businesses seeking counseling get coaching education at no or low cost,” said speaker Tom Kelly.
The Macomb incubator provides a new office building at 6633 18 Mile Road with high speed Internet.
Businesses have unlimited use of conference rooms and access to atrium and innovation laboratories, high-speed copiers, faxes, etc.

End of this story, but not end of your story.  If you want to expand your business or start a new business in Rogers City, you can obtain assistance too!  Contact me via email at mslown@rogerscity.com or call 989-734-2191.