Vol. 3, January 2009 "On-line" Newsletter
Features:
1. State Grant Approved for C-48 "Breezeway" Project
2. Looking for Federal Grant Opportunities?
3. Opportunity is Waiting for You
4. Informative and Relevant Business Topics Designed for Small Business
5. Calling all Farming Entrepreneurs!
6. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program
7. Upcoming Trainings and Workshops
1. State Grant Approved for C-48 “Breezeway” Project
Communities located in Antrim and Charlevoix Counties are being rewarded for their collaborative efforts through the approval of a $25,000 grant from the State of Michigan. The purpose of this grant is to jointly promote the local road (C-48) that links the communities of Atwood (Banks Township), Ellsworth and East Jordan. This section of C-48 has been dubbed the “Breezeway” and is being promoted as a scenic alternative route.
The “Breezeway” project is one of eight that Governor Jennifer Granholm recently announced will receive funding under the State’s Centers or Regional Excellence program. Funds from the grant will be used over a two year period for marketing and promotional materials and signage along the route.
2. Looking for Federal Grant Opportunities?
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Northern Lakes Economic Alliance and ConnecTech are hosting a half-day workshop on Tuesday, January 27 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Petoskey Library – Carnegie Building. Federal grant opportunities are available for technology based entrepreneurs and small businesses seeking funding for R&D including Small Business Innovative Research and Small Technology Transfer Research. Program basics for this $2.3 billion dollar federal funding program, including eligibility, the various federal agencies involved in funding and tools to help with planning your grant application will be discussed. Cost to attend is $50 and pre-registration is required. http://www.bioconsultants.com/registration_form.html or call Kris at 734-930-9741. See the attached flyer for more details. |
3. Opportunity is Waiting for You
Did you know the federal government purchases more than $350 billion of goods and services a year and the State of Michigan has a diverse portfolio valued at more than $11.6 billion? If you want to find out how to get in on the action, please join us on February 3, when Todd Olson (PTAC Program Director) presents "Federal Government Contracting 101". This free seminar from 10:00 - 12:30 p.m. will help you find those opportunities. The seminar will be followed by an question/answer session from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
PTAC provides no fee assistance to businesses which are interested in doing business with state and federal government agencies. They will held regular office hours at the NLEA office in Boyne City on the first Tuesday of every month from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Please contact us if you would like more information or to register for this class.
Federal Government Contracting 101 flyerClick here to Download
4. Informative and Relevant Business Topics Designed for Small Business
5. Calling all Farming Entrepreneurs!
The 10th annual Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference, Jan. 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Grayling High School, will offer sessions especially for entrepreneurs who are interested in starting or enhancing businesses related to building a strong community-supported agriculture system.
Fred Kirschenmann, former executive director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture in Ames, Iowa, and a current Leopold Center distinguished fellow, will provide a presentation on the role of small farms in the nation’s food system future and how consumers and public policy might empower the next generation of small farmers.
“In all kinds of industries right now, nationally and internationally, the focus on entrepreneurs and entrepreneurism is huge. Arguably, there’s nowhere you could find more entrepreneurial people than those who are the owners of small farms,” says Wendy Wieland, business consultant and agriculture innovation counselor for the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance via the Michigan State University (MSU) Product Center and one of the conference organizers. “Being a farm entrepreneur right now is a win-win-win for the community, for the land base, the consumers and the farm family.”
For registration fees and information please see the brochure below or call 231-533-8818.
6. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program
The United States Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of their Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program. This program offers grants, guaranteed loans, and a combination of both to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems as well as to make energy efficient improvements. Non-profit entities and public bodies are NOT eligible. The maximum grant amount is 25% of the total project cost, not to exceed $750,000. For more information, please see the attached fact sheet.
7. Upcoming Trainings and Workshops
January 7, 14, 21, & 28: Power of Lean Series
January 20: Ethics for Planning and Zoning
January 20: How to Improve Sales in this Economy
January 20: Get Farming
January 21: Planning for Tourism and Recreation
January 22: RFID 101-Department of Defense Mandate Training
January 27: SBIR 101-Federal Small Business Innovation Research Program
January 27: Northwest Michigan's Transition to the Knowledge Economy
January 29: "How To" class on CCR, ORCA, and HUBZone
January 31: 10th Annual Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference
February 3: Federal & State Government Contracting 101
February 5, 12, 19, & 26 and March 5: Family Owned Business Series
February 27: Get Ready! Preparing for Funding Opportunities (General Grant Writing)
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