Entrepreneur Support Center in the News
MTEC SmartZone – Finlandia Entrepreneur Support Center Honored In D.C.
HANCOCK – The Entrepreneur Support Center (ESC), a collaboration between MTEC SmartZone and Finlandia University, was selected for an international economic development award at the Computerworld Laureate Honors Program in Washington D.C. Read More
AMAZING SUCCESS: Entrepreneur Support Center Assists 33 Entrepreneurs in 6 Months
HANCOCK, Michigan (November 7, 2011) – The Entrepreneur Support Center (ESC) opened last April to provide local entrepreneurs with an office and mentors to guide them. In just six months, an amazing 33 entrepreneurs have signed up for ESC services, 18 LLCs have been filed, six companies are either selling their product or taking orders, and two companies are completely operational.
Michigan Tech Students Advance to Accelerate Michigan Competition
Houghton, MI – Michigan Technological University students Travis Beaulieu and Joel Florek are semi-finalists in the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition. Beaulieu and Florek will compete in Ypsilanti, Michigan, beginning November 16, 2011, for the $25,000 grand prize. The team will present with their business idea, AsfalisMed.
GreenSand Advances to Accelerate Michigan Competition Finals
LAKE LINDEN, MI – GreenSand Corporation is a semi-finalist in the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition. The competition will take place November 16 – 17, 2011, in Ypsilanti. GreenSand is in contention to win the grand prize of $500,000. GreenSand possesses a technology to recycle copper-laden mining stamp sand located in Gay, Michigan, to produce roofing shingles. Copper is a desirable construction additive for its prevention of algae and mold growth. Additionally, the GreenSand shingle repels water, accepts color and is durable.
Houghton, MI – Michigan Technological University’s School of Business and Economics and Central Michigan University are partnering in the 2012 New Venture Competition – one of the nation’s top business plan competitions. The competition will culminate on March 30, 2012, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan when business plans are presented and judged. Cash prizes of $30,000 for first place, $10,000 for second place and $5,000 for third place will be awarded toward business start-up and launch.
MTEC SmartZone Awarded $100,000 Grant to Open an Entrepreneurial Training Center
According to MTEC SmartZone program director, Jonathan Leinonen, “Businesses will be created right in the training center. Entrepreneurs are hardly short of ideas around here but sometimes following through is the challenge. With this training center in place, entrepreneurs can start their businesses while they’re learning. For example, entrepreneurs will be able to set up their own companies in QuickBooks as they’re learning under the guidance of a QuickBooks instructor.” Similarly, companies can research their market, prepare specific marketing plans, or submit their corporate filings using software, telephones and Internet access provided in the center.
Entrepreneur Support Center Open in Hancock on April 1st with Goal to Start Local Businesses
Hancock, MI – After many months of planning and collaboration between MTEC SmartZone, Finlandia University and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Entrepreneur Support Center (ESC) has become a reality. The ESC is a place where entrepreneurs and small businesses can go to access office space, equipment, training and other start-up resources.
Local Technology Companies Continue to Prosper Through Times of Economic Difficulty
Local technology companies Lasalletech, Xeratec, and Nitrate Elimination have prospered despite the national economic downturn. During the Keweenaw Economic & Development Alliance (KEDA) September meeting these companies shared their success stories. Each company followed a different path to success, yet the resources they received from MTEC SmartZone and KEDA are significant to their growth and development.
FastTrac Program Preparing Entrepreneurs to Grow Businesses Locally
“The FastTrac® program is needed in our business community. Many entrepreneurs and start-up business owners have great ideas but are unsure how to see them to fruition. FastTrac® gives these folks the opportunity to speak with business leaders in our local community who are able to answer questions in detail,” comments MTEC SmartZone Program Director, Jonathan Leinonen. “Each student has one-on-one time with each speaker, which can be used to probe deeper into a particular subject.”
New MTEC SmartZone Loan Program Available for Local Small Businesses
HOUGHTON, MI – Technology businesses in the western Upper Peninsula and the Keweenaw have access to new funding for startup and growth. Companies who wish to start, expand or relocate within the Keweenaw region may apply for assistance from the MTEC SmartZone Loan Fund.
