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"Multi-State Community Entrepreneurship" Conference goes virtual! |
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SAVE THE DATES: November 9-13 |
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Working jointly eight state university extension programs have embarked on an amazing plan… to offer the first of its kind eight-state virtual community entrepreneurship conference with a BONANZA of programming! Held the entire week Nov. 9-13, 2020. University Extension programs include:
- Michigan State University
- University of Nebraska
- South Dakota State University
- North Dakota State University
- University of Minnesota
- Penn State University
- University of Missouri
- University of New Hampshire
Each day 3-5 sessions will be offered (virtually). Participants can go to any and all throughout the week. All states are contributing content and all participants will have:
- A front-row seat to hear best practices that build entrepreneurial communities
- Access to entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic developers, decision makers and community champions who support rural communities
- Learn about specific tools and resources that can be implemented in your community
- Freedom to jump into one or as many sessions as you want during the week with access to recordings after
More information to come soon! Read full article here.
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About the conference: The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference is a community development initiative that brings together entrepreneurs, business leaders, economic development professionals, decision makers, and community champions to strengthen and broaden regional entrepreneurial networks and learn tools and resources communities can use back home to nurture and support entrepreneurs.
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Update on Michigan Small Business Restart Program |
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The Michigan Small Business Restart Program Grant applications closed at Midnight August 5, 2020. The final numbers for received applications shows that the demand exceeds the available grant funds by a 4:1 margin.
As mandated by the MEDC, at least 30% of the grant funds are to be earmarked for Minority, Veteran or Women owned businesses. Working in partnership with regional grant hubs Networks Northwest and Target Alpena, the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance has facilitated the efforts for Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Emmet Counties. Area Chambers, Main Street Programs, DDA’s, Industrial Association and other groups have been key to the promotion of the program to area companies.
To ensure a smooth and consistent scoring and selection process the NLEA staff and scoring teams have been meeting weekly with local and regional partners. The scoring/selection process will be completed by August 28 with the funds to be distributed by September 17, 2020.
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The community and regional annual business model competitions known as "Pitch Nights" have proven to be a good way to support business attraction and growth and continue to offer resources for entrepreneurs to launch and grow companies and create and retain jobs in our region, including over 40 business launches in our region since inception. However, due to the pandemic they will not be held in person this fall. Our community organizing committees, including Invest Cheboygan County, Greenlight East Jordan, Antrim Pitch Night, as well as the NLEA Grand Event, are developing plans that ensure great 2021 events.
The collaboration between the local committees and sponsors with the regional event and sponsors has proven to add the values of local leadership and support for business attraction and growth.
We caught up with a few of the past winners to see how business has changed. Check out the videos below.
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Entrepreneurs in the NLEA service area that are interested in competing for their share of seed dollars to start or ramp up their business should contact Angie Ross, NLEA Director of Business Attraction. |
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Progress on the Onaway Trailhead |
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Earlier this year it was announced that The City of Onaway was one of the 2019 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Recommended Development Projects. Multiple legal steps will happen prior to the City obtaining the $204,700 grant dollars. Before construction can begin the grant had to go through the Appropriations Committee.
The new trailhead (rendering pictured) will feature a farmer’s market area, pavilion, and public restrooms accommodating area residents and users of the DNR’s North Eastern State Trail. The City was also awarded a grant from the USDA to help construct the pavilion for the farmers market. This project has the opportunity to be the economic catalyst Onaway needs to grow and thrive.
We learned earlier this summer that the bill had been introduced to the Senate Appropriations Committee and by the end of July the bill had been passed. Next steps for the trailhead project include completion of the grant agreement and preparation of plans, specifications, and bid documents for the project.
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For details on the USDA grant and other Infrastructure Development and Redevelopment opportunities contact Jessica Lovay, NLEA Director of Community Development & Grants or visit the NLEA website.
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Behind Link Industries: Another edition of
'How it's Made' in Northern Michigan
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Get an exclusive peek into how regional businesses do business. |
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People tell us how amazed they are to find out exactly what happens inside that business they drive by every day, here's your peek inside! Emma Vondra and Kelsey Robinson, the NLEA interns sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation created these "How it's Made in Northern Michigan" videos to showcase one aspect of regional manufacturers' daily assembly line. This month features Link Industries in Indian River explaining some of their line.
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To see other "How it's Made in Northern Michigan" videos visit the NLEA website. |
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New event venue in East Jordan! |
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The Boathouse on Lake Charlevoix, located in East Jordan, is owned by Rick and Rebecca Gotts who began renovating a marina and boat storage buildings in 2018. After much hard work and patiently awaiting the delays of Michigan's Stay At Home Order, the event space is now open! The second portion of the project, the boat restoration and taproom, are still under construction but are moving forward. The project has already created several jobs with more expected in the future.
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Michigan’s Eviction Diversion Program provides relief for those facing eviction |
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It is more important than ever to have a safe and healthy home. Yet, because of the high unemployment 1 in 5 renters in the nation are at risk of being evicted by the end of next month. Rents are already more expensive for the average family. Nationwide, monthly rents have grown more than renters’ incomes since 2001.
Michigan has initiated the Eviction Diversion Program, to help renters with low to moderate incomes funded with Coronavirus Relief Funds. The program is designed to help households with income at or below the area median income, which for Charlevoix County was $53,207 in 2018. The program in Charlevoix County is being administered by the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency. If you are a tenant or landlord, call 844-900-0500 and press #2. Details about the program on the state’s website here.
Along with help paying the rent, legal help is available as well as links to other programs that can provide additional assistance with housing and budgeting. Funds are expected to be available for a few months.
For other housing questions and information on how you can help create local housing opportunities, please contact Steve Schnell, Charlevoix County Housing Ready Program Director at 231-330-7070 or steve@housingnorth.org. You can find regional housing resources provided at Housing North.
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Economic events & news around the region |
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NLEA coordinates with several regional organizations to help meet the mission to create and retain jobs in our area. Here are some important updates from others: |
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COVID-19 Helpful Resources |
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Click here for a short list of resources and information for businesses and communities during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak. NLEA will continue to update this information as more resources become available. Things evolve quickly and often, if you have questions please call our office at 231-582-6482 or email us at info@northernlakes.net and we will direct you promptly.
We encourage you to contact and visit the websites of your local Chambers of Commerce, Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs), and Main Street organizations for the most updated information pertaining to your community.
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Videos you will want to share |
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We like to motivate and educate with these videos, so good you'll pass them on! If you have one or see something inspirational, send it our way. It may end up here! |
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Positive attitude is everything. |
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Motivation beyond visibility - Be a Mr. Jensen |
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Find out what our Core Partners are up to! |
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