HOLLAND – In an ongoing collaborative effort to grow the entrepreneurial eco-system along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the city of Holland has submitted its SmartZone action plans to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Michigan Treasury Department for final review in hopes of approval by spring.
Public hearings were held at both the City of Holland on January 20, and Holland Charter Township on January 21, where both public bodies reviewed and unanimously approved the Holland SmartZone business and Tax Increment Financing plans.
SmartZones are specific geographic regions for entrepreneurs, technology-based firms and researchers to establish themselves in close proximity to each other and service organizations. These regions promote the collaboration between different entities including the government, industry and universities.
Representatives from a cross-functional team of government, business and non-profit entities came together to approve plans that outline a strategy to capture and prioritize funding for the SmartZone over the next 15 years. The plans will serve as long-term strategic documents to guide the efforts of the Holland SmartZone.
Annual budgets and metrics for the SmartZone program will be annually reviewed by the local units of government to ensure the broad-based plans, and the priorities of the communities, continue to align.
“We are so grateful for Lakeshore Advantage’s leadership and Holland Charter Township’s partnership to make this exciting development potential a reality,” said Holland Mayor Nancy De Boer.
This approval comes after extensive review and teamwork from the City of Holland, Holland Charter Township, Ottawa County, West Ottawa Schools, Holland Public Schools, Michigan State University, the Community Foundation of Holland and Zeeland and an array of private sector leaders. The satellite SmartZone initiative was first proposed in April 2014.
“As we look into the future we know that our hard work will create an additional tool to help attract the next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Vince Bush, Holland Charter Township Treasurer.
The Holland SmartZone satellite status establishes a formal partnership with the city of Grand Rapids to collaborate on jointly developing entrepreneurial support in the region.
“The Holland SmartZone will help focus and catalyze the start-up environment and in doing so, make a direct impact in the future of our greater community,” said Craig Hall, chairperson of the Holland Local Development Finance Authority board. “This all will certainly not be without its challenges, but I truly believe that an exciting future awaits.”
