Immigrants fuel entrepreneurship in Michigan

Posted on December 7, 2012 by CNS

By YANJIE WANG

Capital News Service

LANSING — When Bhushan Kulkarni, an Indian citizen who finished his master’s degree in West Virginia, came to Ann Arbor for a summer internship in 1988, he fell in love with the community.

It became his second hometown as he started his own business there after the internship and now owns two Ann Arbor-based companies, providing information technology consulting service.

Kulkarni realized his dream to start his own business after he got a green card that allowed him to stay and work in the United States.
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Computer tools coming soon for businesses to use

Posted on November 16, 2012 by CNS

By CELESTE BOTT

Capital News Service

LANSING – Manufacturers throughout the state will soon have access to digital modeling and simulation tools through General Electric’s Advanced Manufacturing and Software Technology Center.

The new tools should save money and create jobs, the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences says.

The developing innovation center that will provide such tools is the result of a partnership between General Electric and NCMS based in Ann Arbor, and a $1 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC)..

GE’s technology Center in Van Buren Township will house the innovation center.
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State money encourages new high-tech start-ups

Posted on November 16, 2012 by CNS

By SILU GUO

Capital News Service

LANSING – With $8.5 million in grans to award, the state is encouraging local programs to support start-up high-tech companies.

The Michigan Strategic Fund and Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) offer the funding for outstanding programs around the state, with a focus on Northwestern Michigan, Grand Rapids and suburban Detroit.

The money will support three years of services for each project, said Paula Sorrell, managing director of entrepreneurial service at MEDC.
These programs, called ‘incubator accelerators,’ are designed to support start-ups through an array of resources and services.
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Government programs support small businesses services

Posted on April 20, 2012 by CNS

By XINJUAN DENG

Capital News Service

LANSING – Small businesses are getting more chances to access capital, spur job growth and boost exports under recent federal and state initiatives.

These include the Small Business Administration (SBA), Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) and Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing pointed to resources to increase access to capital for Michigan small businesses. Continue reading →

Farmers markets expand services as demand for local produce grows

Posted on April 13, 2012 by CNS

By PATRICK HOWARD

Capital News Service

LANSING— The demand for fresh, local produce has boosted a statewide uptick in the number of farmers markets.

And a state grant program aims at ensuring low-income communities don’t miss out on such opportunities.

Katharine Czarnecki, community programs manager at the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), the agency that provides the grants, said farmers markets benefit both job creation and health and create social bonds that help communities.

Czarnecki said the agency developed the Farm to Food grant program in 2010 to help three areas: urban development, agricultural infrastructure and a “passive solar system loan fund” used to construct “hoop houses” that can grow vegetables year-round. Continue reading →

Small businesses find new way to sell to China

Posted on April 6, 2012 by CNS

By JON GASKELL

Capital News Service

LANSING — McKeon Products Inc. is looking to double its exports over the next two years, and with help from a new Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) program, the Warren-based manufacturer of Mack’s earplugs has taken a big step towards that goal.

“We’re very excited to be entering the Chinese market,” said Jennifer True, international sales director for McKeon. “I personally was receiving emails from people in China looking to get hold of our product.”

Now a pallet of Mack’s earplugs has arrived in Shanghai in preparation for sale to a market of 1.3 billion potential customers.

McKeon is one of the first Michigan companies to participate in a new MEDC partnership with Ohio-based Export Now that aims to help Michigan small businesses gain access to China’s consumer market. Continue reading →