Grand Valley’s Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center
received a grant to enhance the center’s business incubator program
that supports energy and technology-related business start-ups.
The $100,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development
Corporation (MEDC) will help MAREC continue to recruit entrepreneurs,
business start-ups, and early-stage businesses that are developing
energy-related technologies, products, and services. It will fund an
incubator manager and allow for support services such as legal
consultation on patenting new technology. The grant also makes
available limited seed capital for MAREC clients, and enables MAREC to
develop additional incubator office and lab spaces within the existing
building.
Arn Boezaart, director of MAREC, said the grant will strengthen
the connection between the business community, MAREC and the Muskegon
Lakeshore SmartZone. “Part of our purpose is to support technology
start-ups that emphasize energy innovation,” said Boezaart. “This
grant allows us to increase our level of business incubation activity
beyond what our present resources can support. One of the best ways we
can help develop Michigan as a leader in the alternative energy field
is to support and coach business start-ups and new ventures. Expanding
employment opportunities and supporting economic growth are among our
top priorities.”
MAREC is currently home to five businesses: Smart Vision Lights,
Logical Lighting Systems, Energy Partners, and McKenzie Bay
International, along with a field office for Scandia Wind.
The West Michigan Science and Technology Initiative, based at
Grand Valley State University, received a similar grant from MEDC.
Rich Cook, venture center director of WMSTI, said the proposal was
built on WMSTI achievements with hopes to expand its geographical
reach to the greater West Michigan region, providing small
entrepreneurial biotech companies affordable access to the WMSTI
incubator/accelerator. Visit www.wmsti.org for more information.
For more information about the MAREC grant, contact Arn Boezaart
at (616) 331- 6905 or boezaara@gvsu.edu.
MAREC grant will expand energy and technology start-ups
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