$1.4 million investment boosts Build U.P. housing and CTE trade partnerships

What’s happening: The Escanaba-based Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation has committed $1.4 million to Build U.P., the housing development fund managed by InvestUP, a regional economic development organization. The funding will support Build U.P.’s housing partnership with Career and Technical Education (CTE), helping sustain and expand efforts already underway with Intermediate School Districts (ISD) and state-approved CTE Construction Trades programs that are building homes in communities across the U.P.

About the partnership program: The Build U.P. CTE Partnership Program has already helped launch home construction projects through participating ISDs in communities including Escanaba, Houghton, Hancock, Cedarville, L’Anse, and Manistique. The investment from the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation positions the program not only for future growth across the region, but also to create opportunity through providing preference to U.P. suppliers.

What they’re saying: “This commitment from the Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation builds on the strong early success of Build U.P.’s CTE Housing Partnership Program. We have already seen how this model can create new housing, strengthen local building trades programs, and open doors for students. This support will help us carry that momentum forward and expand a solution that is meeting real needs in communities across the U.P.” said Marty Fittante, who is CEO of InvestUP.

About Build U.P.: Build U.P. is a sustainable fund managed by InvestUP that provides long-term impact by addressing the U.P.’s housing shortage. By offering investment returns that sustain the fund over time, Build U.P. helps facilitate development without depleting resources, ensuring ongoing support for regional growth and housing initiatives.

About the foundation: The Daniel J. Kobasic Foundation invests in education, workforce development, and community initiatives that create lasting opportunity. The foundation supports practical pathways that help individuals build skills, pursue meaningful careers, and strengthen their communities. While the Foundation gives to a variety of causes, its primary focus remains grounded in supporting long-term impact close to home.