It is Northern Michigan Start-Up Week April 9-15, a “celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the growing start-up community” in the Region.   Events are organized around the themes of ” Learn; Connect; Grow; Win” —most are FREE— and details are available at Northern Michigan Startup Week.

Many are aware of the Traverse region’s growing reputation for fostering digital technology-based start-ups and early-stage companies, but not so many appreciate the manufacturing application.  TC-based Northern Michigan Angels (NMA) invests in early-stage companies (over $7.4 M in the last 10 years).  More than 20% of NMA investments involve manufacturing including the following:

Surprised?

The Traverse Region’s Manufacturing Community is a significant driver of economic activity and employment, and manufacturing’s capital investments have a further positive multiplier effect.

Traverse City’s John Parsons & Frank Stulen were awarded the inaugural National Technology Medal for their groundbreaking work in Numerical Control equipment.   Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) honored their achievements, naming its Technology Building the Parsons-Stulen Center (P-S), which includes a Maker Space out of which has emerged substantial start-ups.   

And more innovation and start-up tools are coming on board.  The Nelson Innovation Center recently opened at NMC’s former West Hall.   GTAMC is a member of the Northern Michigan Consortium which received a $275,000 MEDC Grant. The grant-funded, in part, the Industry 4.0 Learning Lab at P-S which is opening soon, and will also be utilized as a Manufacturing R&D Hub by area companies, entrepreneurs, and others.    

Are you interested in more?  

Maybe help activate the Manufacturing R&D Hub?   All are welcome.  Contact GTAMC Board Member & NMA Member Dennis Arouca.

 

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