Grand Rapids Reporter

This month, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer teamed up with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to announce that the Economic Development Administration's new grants.

Among the those awarded was a $1.4 million grant given to Central Michigan University to fund renovations to the Central Michigan University Research Corporation incubator. 

“Today’s investment will help the Central Michigan University Research Corporation improve its facilities and empower entrepreneurs," Whitmer said. "This investment will help us continue growing our economy, creating good-paying jobs, and building on our manufacturing and R&D strengths. This month, we opened the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at Michigan State University and the Wacker Innovation Center in Ann Arbor. We must keep investing in every region of Michigan to tap into the entrepreneurial energy in every county of our great state. Our efforts to grow the economy are working — unemployment is 4.4%, we’ve added 174,000 jobs year over year, and we are working together to lower the costs of essentials like childcare and housing and putting money in people’s pockets with $400 auto refund checks and proposed tax cuts for seniors and working families. Let’s keep Michigan moving by investing in our economic development and the kitchen-table issues.”

Other administration officials praised the governor for her initiative to invest in job-creation measures. 

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support Central Michigan University and its efforts to build a more resilient regional economy," Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo said in a press release. "The Central Michigan University Research Corporation is an anchor facility for entrepreneurs in the region where they can safely meet in-person and return to pre-pandemic productivity.”

Federal support for the grant programs are essential. They continue to incentivize participation and legitimize the program, which is expected to create jobs and stimulate the economy. 

Senator Gary Peters also had high praise for the grant program, saying, “Central Michigan University continues to play a vital role in creating jobs and spurring growth throughout Michigan by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses – the lifeline of our economy. This federal support will ensure the Central Michigan University Research Corporation can effectively continue working to uplift innovation in the region.”

Congressman John Moolenaar from Michigan's 4th District, said, “CMU’s Research Corporation helps bring local businesses together to collaborate on investments that benefit mid Michigan residents and our local communities. Renovating CMURC’s incubator will help foster future partnerships that contribute to the region’s economy and I congratulate the leadership at CMU for their work in securing this funding.”