Entrepreneurship

Coverage of those starting up businesses and community resources to help them thrive.

The Ferry Street School, built in 1867 to educate local African American children, continues to serve the neighborhood as the Ferry Street Resource Center today.

Ferry Street District in Niles receives $50K grant, one step closer to National Registry

“Documenting the untold stories here will contribute to pride of place for local residents and enhance placemaking efforts throughout the city of Niles,” says Christina H. Arseneau, director of the Niles History Center.

Latest in Entrepreneurship
Rural economic development conference to meet in-person for first time since 2019

"This is the only statewide conference that is focused on rural economic development that we have,” says Jessica AcMoody, policy director for the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan.  

The 109 Cultural Exchange in downtown Saline.
State awards grants to support downtown placemaking projects in Niles, Otsego, Saline, and more

“Historic Downtown Sault Ste Marie is a place many have still yet to discover,” says Sault Ste. Marie DDA Director Tony Cutler. “This opportunity to partner with the MEDC in the Vibrancy Grant will help strengthen our brand and commitment to enhancing our downtown.”

Saltless Sea Creamery sells its cheeses at area farmers markets and hopes to have a permanent home in the Traverse City area later this year.
Traverse City creamery looks to purchase repurposed shipping container-turned-micro dairy

“This facility will provide us lots of things,” says Dave Omar, who owns Saltless Sea Creamery with his wife, Joy. “We can make more styles of cheese and more quantity, bigger batches and more often.”  

Marquette entrepreneur sees growth potential for outdoor recreation economy in the Upper Peninsula

David Ollila, who holds at least 16 patents, is the force behind a new development in Marquette that he hopes will bolster the outdoor recreation sector in the Upper Peninsula and connect it to Michigan’s mobility engine.  

Snowmobilers enjoy an afternoon on Trail No. 417 in Marquette County.
Michigan DNR purchases more than 100 miles of U.P. snowmobile trail easements, designates for public

“Trails are critical to the Upper Peninsula’s economy, and we are proud to partner with Lyme to secure these trails forever,” says Ron Yesney, the DNR’s Upper Peninsula trails coordinator.

The time is now to prepare for broadband equity, access and deployment (BEAD) funding

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act gives is the best opportunity to close the Digital Divide, but it will present many challenges. What state leaders do today and in the months ahead could impact the lives of their constituents for years to come.

Symbiote makes customized furniture products and solutions for the biotechnology, education, healthcare, and security industries.
Furniture-maker expands operations in Zeeland

The customized furniture manufacturer’s expansion will create seven new jobs in the city of Zeeland. 

Ten businesses advance in the 2022 Scale Up North awards competition
Crazy Quarters Arcade grows, creating one of the largest collections of pinball games in Michigan

Crazy Quarters has only been open about a year, but it’s already taken its collection of pinball games to a whole new level.  

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