WASHINGTON – The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) will receive a grant of $45,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development fund, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced.  The funding will be used for a “Small Business Incubator Network” feasibility study.

“The Small Business Incubator Network is an innovative concept for saving and growing jobs in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet and Cheboygan counties,” Stupak said.  “The funding from this grant will provide seed money to determine the project’s overall viability.”

In 2004, a committee made up of NLEA, local municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, the University of Michigan Business School, Michigan State University Extension, North Central Michigan College, the Michigan Small Business Development and Technology Center, and business leaders came together for discussions on how to overcome the loss of employment in the four counties.  From those committee discussions the concept emerged to create a system of five interlinked business “incubators” to serve as an economic engine and create new businesses for the NLEA region. 

It was envisioned that the incubators will provide a powerful combination of business development tools to attract and grow businesses.  Each incubator would provide key services to newly emerging and growing businesses, offering assistance with locating financing, intensive business counseling, consulting, technical assistance, intellectual property advice, and access to university research. 

Jan Kellogg, Economic Development Specialist at NLEA, praised Stupak’s role in securing the funding. 

“Congressman Stupak has been a consistent fighter for economic growth in rural communities,” Kellogg said.  “We appreciate his support for NLEA and the Small Business Incubator Network feasibility study.”

“The Small Business Incubator Network has the potential to improve job growth in northern Michigan,” Stupak said.  “I am excited to hear the results of this feasibility study and to review the recommended next steps for moving this program forward.”

The study is expected to examine the potential market for facilities and services, the type of incubators that would work best in each community, operational costs, facility operations and management.