The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) supports economic growth in the state's southern corner through its
SmartZone initiative. This program puts resources in the hands of small and start-up companies, so they can continue to grow.
Over the last several years, the MEDC has established SmartZones in six designated regions within the state. Its region 6 hub, serving business in Michigan’s thumb, is in Port Huron.
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Edwin Sechrist, CEO of Tidal Industries.
"Our mission is to provide essential resources and support, to help startups and small businesses validate their ideas, secure patents, and develop effective marketing and finance strategies,” says Kanchan Wankhede, director of entrepreneurial services at the
Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County. “The ultimate goal is to ensure that every small business can access the tools they need to thrive in a competitive marketplace."
Wankhede works with clients primarily through an organization called
The Underground, a branch of the St. Clair County EDA. She says their job is to work with companies to overcome barriers to growth they might be facing.
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Edison Manufacturing within Port Hurons Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Park.
“Many new businesses struggle with identifying their target customers. That's where we come in,” she says. “We provide critical insights, mentorship, and support to help them understand their market and potential customers."
It hasn’t always been easy to introduce a fairly new service to businesses within the region and convince them that SmartZone can make a difference, but Wankhede says that’s changed over the last year or so.
“From the past year, I've had more than eight companies come in with innovative ideas. And these are good ideas, implementable and sellable, and customers would really want to buy this product,” she says. “So, I'm seeing that change, that influx and the belief is that everybody has an idea. They just need a platform to present it.”
While SmartZone is known for supporting companies in the tech industry, an important part of its mission, Wankhede says their services can be applied in several fields, from agriculture, to finance, to human resources. It’s a common misconception about the SmartZone that she works to clarify with potential clients.
“Innovation can come from anywhere, and we are here to help all types of entrepreneurs, regardless of their industry," she says.
Since it arrived in Port Huron, SmartZone has also developed a close relationship with the city’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology Park, formerly known as the Industrial Park.
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Overhead view of the Technology and Advanced Manufacturing Park in Port Huron.
The 275-acre area houses 29 businesses, working to develop new technology in the auto industry. It’s a point of pride for City Manager James Freed who’s been working with the EDA to rebrand the park.
“Our Advanced Manufacturing Technology Park is literally the lifeblood of our economy, for the city of Port Huron,” Freed says. “It’s home to dozens and dozens of large, large and small corporations. A lot of tier one suppliers.”
Freed says the SmartZone is an asset for the city and he looks forward to seeing the initiative continue to help local businesses grow and thrive in the community.
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James Freed, Port Huron's City Manager.
Wankhede says SmartZone has been able to work with both startups and longstanding businesses in the park that are simply looking to grow.
“We focus on Industry 4.0, which emphasizes the integration of technology into manufacturing processes to increase efficiency and reduce waste," Wankhede says.
Sometimes, that growth includes expanding internationally. Considering Port Huron’s proximity to the Canadian border, Wankhede says there is ample opportunity for companies to move their products outside the U.S.
SmartZone has developed a few special programs focused on international growth for American and foreign businesses, mainly in offering some incentives for international companies to connect with SmartZone services, and other clients that could become potential partners.
"We offer a 'soft landing' program for companies from Canada and other parts of the world, allowing them to use our facilities for the first three months at no cost," she says. "This initiative helps ease their transition into the U.S. market and provides them with access to essential resources and networking opportunities."
SmartZone has been able to advance in Port Huron and find valuable clients within the region. Still, Wankhede says there is always more work to do, including keeping the community informed about who they are and what they can offer.
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Left to Right: Marquicia Pierce and Kanchan Wankhede.
"We’re here to help turn ideas into reality,” she says. “If you have a business idea, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We will validate your concept, guide you through the development process, and help you find the funding you need."
Looking ahead, Wankhede says the SmartZone will continue to promote Port Huron as a hub for innovation and do its part to keep the city’s industry alive.
"With the right support,” she says. “We believe that Port Huron can become a global leader in various industries."