The REI Innovation Fellows Program is seeking applicants to incorporate the tools, models, and policies identified in Co-Learning Projects (and NEW innovation as well) into practice in communities around Michigan. The Innovation Fellows program was established in 2016 to attract and support top champions in communities and organizations to tackle the tough economic development issues that our distressed communities face every day. Innovation Fellows provide on-the-ground support and coordination to move concepts to actions, implementing new economic development tools, models, and policies. These Fellowships are funded through a competitive award process to which only serious, dedicated individuals should apply.
Post Fellowship, 2021 awardee Melissa Davis, says those opportunities she saw and helped ignite are gaining momentum. "The Fellowship has and continues to provide networking capital. A lot of people in our community (Keweenaw) area get really excited about alternative shopping choices, especially if produced locally. They also like to see the beginning of things that grow well....it's particularly satisfying because the odds are stacked high against local entrepreneurs. In our case, we now have two bakers who want to augment their incomes using the cottage industry model, and also a Hancock main street location, for their sales to occur." You can learn more about Melissa's project and work in Michigan's Upper Peninsula here.
Up to $10,000 in funding is available for two 2022 Fellowships. Visit the REI Submit an Application page, linked below, for more information and to apply. The program deadline is December 10, 2021. Please contact Mary Zumbrunnen at zumbrun1@msu.edu for more information and to answer any questions.
