WEST OLIVE – The Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator is now known as ACRE AgTech, but it will continue its work to connect, develop and cultivate agriculture technology innovations, either into new businesses or commercializing them in partnership with established entities.
ACRE connects entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed, furthering the cultivation of emerging technologies for today’s agricultural economy, and leveraging West Michigan’s legacy as one of the most productive agriculture regions in the United States.
“For the farmers who define our agriculture economy, an acre is a tract of land, an area of opportunity, the foundation upon which to grow a family business,” said Paul Sachs, executive director of ACRE AgTech. “We see this ACRE as the connection into a much broader startup ecosystem. Our team brings the experience to help our entrepreneurs navigate barriers, connect with opportunities, and access expertise as they develop their innovation into a business.”
ACRE provides customized business services to help clients address their specific challenges as they launch their agriculture technology into the marketplace. ACRE’s eight sponsor organizations also use their expertise to assist staff in addressing each client’s unique business hurdles. These include: BizStream, Consumers Energy, Greenstone Farm Credit Services, Ottawa County Farm Bureau, Rehmann, Warner Norcross & Judd, Watson Intellectual Property Group and West Michigan Community Bank. Additionally, organizations such as Agri-Tek, Hudsonville Creamery, Stryker Corporation and Zeeland Farm Services provide industry access to startups through their leadership serving on the ACRE board.
“Today’s startup founders are developing new information, technologies and methods to increase yields and expand our food system, and they often don’t know what is necessary to start a business, manage its growth, and optimize production,” said Larry Kooiker, ACRE board member and president of Agritek. “Our mission is to bring our financial and intellectual capital to create a customized program where every entrepreneur can thrive.”
