LANSING – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation this week awarded Biotechnology Business Consultants, Automation Alley, Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation SmartZone, and the Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest each a $500,000 grant to help support the critical business services the organizations provide to technology entrepreneurs and companies in Michigan.

Each group will use the grant to help execute its strategic plan over the next two years. They will get $250,000 per year.

The MEDC enlists the help of a number of Strategic Service Provider organizations to provide critical services, including training, diversification assistance, product development and venture capital preparation. The goal is to build stronger businesses, create jobs and increase investment in Michigan.

BBC, through the Michigan Technology Tri-Corridor Fund and the 21st Century Jobs Fund, provides commercialization consulting services to technology entrepreneurs and early-stage technology companies throughout Michigan.

Automation Alley is a non-profit organization that drives growth and economic development through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives. Automation Alley attracts the creators and consumers of diverse technologies from a variety of industries around the world.

Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation SmartZone is a business incubator located in the Houghton-Hancock area of the Upper Peninsula.

Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest aspires to be an engine for the formation of new, high-growth companies in Michigan by offering by assisting in the start-up and early growth stages. It does so through a business-plan competition that not only matches aspiring entrepreneurs with seasoned coaches from the private equity finance world, but also gives the best business plans cash prizes. For more information, click on GLEQ.Org

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, a partnership between the state and local communities, promotes smart economic growth by developing strategies and providing services to create and retain good jobs and a high quality of life. For more information on MEDC initiatives and programs.

For more information, click on TheMEDC.Org

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