HOUGHTON The Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone was awarded a $450,000 grant from Michigans Technology Tri-Corridor Fund to provide in-depth patent and marketing services not normally available in Michigans Upper Peninsula. Some 22 projects split $24 million in Tri-Corridor funds.
Many entrepreneurs and small businesses in the U.P. will benefit enormously from assistance developing detailed marketing strategies and writing and applying for patents, said Alan West, MTECs C.E.O. This grant will allow the SmartZone to bring to the U.P. marketing experts and patent attorneys on a regular basis and subsidize some of the associated costs, which can be prohibitive to start-up companies.
In its first year of operation, MTEC has worked with more than 70 entrepreneurs and small companies in the U.P., and assistance with marketing and patents were two of the most commonly expressed needs. While the SmartZone has offices in Houghton and Hancock, it will be offering the services made possible by this grant to entrepreneurs and technology companies across the U.P.
The Michigan Tech Enterprise SmartZone is the result of a collaboration between Michigan Technological University, the cities of Hancock and Houghton and the Keweenaw Industrial Council.
