MidMichigan Innovation Center offers help, resources to entrepreneurs

The MidMichigan Innovation Center in Midland is one of those behind-the-scenes organizations helping to make a difference for the business climate in Michigan. The MMIC works with entrepreneurs of start-up and second phase businesses to provide "every resource possible" to be successful, says program director Chris Multrup.

The MMIC operates out of a 107,000-square-foot business incubator donated by Dow Chemical. The incubator is used for a variety of things including a monthly speaker series on topics like accessing capital and acquiring talent. Businesses come together to hatch ideas which can then be examined and ultimately scrutinized to see if they can be turned into a viable business. If an entrepreneur wants to go forward with the idea, the MMIC will offer suggestions for financing and other assistance.

"It's all about developing an entrepreneurial community," says Multrup. "People can interact, make connections and learn from others and move their business forward." The ultimate goal of any business, he says, is to attract customers, a message the MMIC carries to each potential and existing business.

The MMIC reaches beyond Midland, with offices in Marlette, Cadillac, and Traverse City. The eventual goal, according to Multrup, is to have "small footprint" incubator buildings spread out around the state, offering assistance to people in specific communities. He hopes to make this happen with financing from private developers; he says they don't want to get into the business of owning real estate.

The program's success is apparent through some of the companies that have done well, like Johnson Portables, a Saginaw-based business that makes modular units for hospitals. These units can be used for add-on services like performing MRI's. They can also be used for disaster relief efforts and billed to insurance companies, unlike tents and other makeshift disaster relief units often thrown together during a crisis. Last year the company experienced 10 times the revenue growth as the previous year, says Multrup.

Another function of the MMIC is to prescreen start-up businesses for potential angel investors, says Heather Fortin, programs director for Northern Michigan. The MMIC currently manages the Blue Water and Northern Michigan Angels clubs. Each year the MMIC and angel clubs host a competition, giving entrepreneurs two minutes to pitch their ideas to a panel. The ideas are then presented to the angel club investors, which could mean future investment for the winner.

The concept for the nonprofit MMIC was created in 2004 by the late Ted Doan. His idea was later developed into a game plan by the staff and board of directors of MITech, a workforce development agency for mid-Michigan employers and workers. Several area foundations also commit financial support, with a main part of the organization's funding coming from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The MMIC partners with several groups and organizations, including universities and colleges, economic development corporations, and chambers of commerce.

Neil Moran is a freelance copywriter. Visit his website at www.neilmoran.com.