InvestUP

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation recently announced $73 million in grant awards to establish Small Business Support Hubs across the state. The Central Upper Peninsula Small Business Support Hub will serve seven UP counties: Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Marquette, Menominee, and Schoolcraft. https://bit.ly/4cRJiME #EconomicDevelopment #MEDC #InvestUP

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Public Spaces, Community Places Grant. Used to fund projects like the Marquette Skate Plaza, MEDC Senior Community Development Manager Lindsey Clark explains that the grant uses crowdfunding to generate public attention and interest in placemaking projects. https://bit.ly/3xSsx4t #InvestUP #WorkLiveUP #MEDC #CommunityDevelopment #Marquette

We're thrilled to announce that Gina Thorsen, CEO of Stormy Kromer, has been honored as the Small Business Association of Michigan's 2024 Advocate of the Year! Her exceptional leadership and advocacy for small businesses, especially in the Upper Peninsula, have made a significant impact. Gina’s work with SBAM, including her role on the Broadband Task Force and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Executive Committee, highlights her commitment to making Michigan a great place for small businesses. Congratulations, Gina! #SmallBusiness #Leadership #AdvocateOfTheYear #Michigan https://bit.ly/4ewiXF9

Thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation , the State of Michigan has designated twenty-one distinct tech hubs located all across the state, referred to as “SmartZones”. These areas encourage symbiotic collaborations between pillars of the community: universities, community organizations, municipalities, and public-private institutions. In the Upper Peninsula, also known as Region 1, there are three: MTEC SmartZone, Sault Ste. Marie SmartZone, and Innovate Marquette SmartZone. Each continues to be a driver of economic development and innovation in the UP https://puremi.ch/4bJ34bT #InvestUP #SmartZones #Michigan #UpperPeninsula #EconomicDevelopment

InvestUP is thrilled to announce that we are currently searching for qualified individuals to join our team in the role of MI Mobility Fellow. This position will take on various projects in the UP that aid in community economic development, focusing on public transit and mobility challenges with solutions inclusive of technology and innovation. InvestUP was chosen as one of 10 host sites by the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) to host the inaugural cohort of fellows for 2024-2025. The application deadline is July 22nd. For more information and to apply: https://bit.ly/45MmyuJ #EconomicDevelopment #JobCreation #InvestUP #PublicTransit #Innovation #Community

The Marquette County Board of Commissioners approved a $750,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Office of Aeronautics on Tuesday. Airport staff plans to use the money to attract and retain air service to add more flights to current destinations, add new routes and even recruit new airlines. https://bit.ly/3W6vjwt #InvestUP #EconomicDevelopment #TravelMarquette

Did you know that there were 8 UP-based winners for the recent Michigan MCSB Best Small Businesses awards? Congrats everyone and way to represent the UP with innovation, service, and entrepreneurship! 2024 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch: Braveworks – Houghton Jim’s Music and Teaching Center – Escanaba Kall Morris Inc (KMI) – Marquette Keweenaw Coffee Works – Calumet L&C Enterprises-USA, Inc. d/b/a Delta Fence and Construction – Escanaba Michigan SBDC Best Small Businesses: A&S Industrial LLC – Chassell SmartZone Best Small Businesses: Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear – Hancock SwimSmart Technology – Marquette https://lnkd.in/eYRTYiy #Innovation #EconomicDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #MCSB #InvestUP

“There are new businesses coming into town and they are able to take advantage of programs that the city is offering,” said City Manager Craig Cugini, “but now we’ll reach even deeper into the pockets of the state, through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and get some greater assistance and some greater opportunities.” https://bit.ly/4aHYLwP #EconomicDevelopment #Ishpeming #UpperPeninsula #MEDC

Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP was appointed by Michigan's Governor to represent the Mackinac Bridge Authority for a term commencing July 1, 2024, and expiring June 30, 2030. Congrats Marty!

The Marquette City Commission unanimously approved a contract to design the Marquette Cultural Center and Trailhead. Design for the project is primarily funded through reimbursable grants, including a Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revitalization and Placemaking grant and Michigan Department of Natural Resources Spark grant. https://bit.ly/3VekDdu