Grant to help further manufacturing in the U.P.

What’s happening:  The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded The Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University the resources to help build tangible products in the Upper Peninsula. This is done in collaboration with the U.P.’s recognized SmartZones: MTEC in Houghton, Innovate Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, and universities. Additional economic development collaborators include Invest UP and Shophouse Park. The aim is to help build various physical products instead of software and services to bolster the area’s manufacturing capabilities.

How is it funded: The funding comes from a Stage Two Growth Accelerator Fund grant from the SBA worth $150,000. Centrepolis was one of two Michigan companies to receive the grant and one of only 35 nationwide.   

What they’re saying: “Since our launch in 2018, the Centrepolis Accelerator has launched over 100 new products made in Michigan, resulting in the creation of hundreds of jobs and over $36 million of contracted business to Michigan’s supply chain,” said Dan Radomski, executive director of Centrepolis Accelerator. “This grant will help us assist even more companies across the state with a focus on developing and manufacturing products in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.” 

What’s next: Centrepolis will work with various groups to develop new manufacturing options. National security and global competitiveness, domestic manufacturing and production, climate and renewable Energy and assisting underserved communities are all priorities of the grant program.