What is a SmartZone?
Thanks to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan has 20 distinct SmartZones across the state. Each SmartZone is a business accelerator designed to service a specific geographical location.
MTEC SmartZone is located in the Western Upper Peninsula serving primarily the cities of Houghton and Hancock.
Michigan SmartZones
1. MTEC SmartZone – Houghton/Hancock
2. Innovate Marquette – Marquette
3. Sault Ste. Marie EDC – Sault Ste. Marie
4. Muskegon Innovation Hub – Muskegon
5. Spartan Innovations Grand Rapids
Start Garden – Grand Rapids
6. Lakeshore Advantage – Halland
7. Midland Business Alliance – Midland
8. CMURC – Mount Pleasant
9. St. Clair County EDA – Port Huron
10. Lansing Economic Area – Lansing/East Lansing
11. Battle Creek Unlimited – Battle Creek
12. WMed Innovation Center – Kalamazoo
13. Ann Arbor SPARK – Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti
14. Lean Rocket Lab – Jackson
15. Lenawee Now – Adrian/Tecumseh
16. OU INC – Rochester
17. Sterling Heights Velocity Center – Sterling Heights
18. Automation Alley – Troy
19. Centrepolis Accelerator – Southfield
20. Techtown – Detriot
What is a SmartZone/LDFA?
A SmartZone is a designated area in Michigan focused on supporting technology-driven businesses and innovation. The MTEC SmartZone is part of the Michigan SmartZones program and includes a Local Development Finance Authority (LDFA), which allows for the use of state incentives to encourage economic growth. These areas are designed to foster collaboration between startups, research institutions, and the community to drive innovation and create high-tech, innovative jobs.
What types of businesses does MTEC SmartZone support?
We support technology-based startups and growing companies in various industries, including software development, engineering, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and more. If you have a business idea outside of our expertise, we are happy to direct you to the Small Buisness Developement Council (SBDC) or other SmartZones that can better serve your idea.
How does MTEC support local community?
We collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and government organizations to drive regional economic growth, create jobs, and foster a culture of innovation in the Keweenaw and Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
What is an Innovation Hub?
An Innovation Hub is a physical or virtual space designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and the development of new technologies and business ideas. It provides resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators. MTEC SmartZone serves as an Innovation Hub for Houghton, Hancock and the Keweenaw region, offering office space, support services, and connections to a network of resources that help businesses grow and succeed.
How can I become a part of MTEC SmartZone?
Startups and entrepreneurs interested in joining the SmartZone can reach out through our contact page, and our team will guide you through the application process. We evaluate each applicant to ensure alignment with our mission and available resources or programs to support their growth.
Are you a part of Michigan Technological University (MTU)?
While MTEC SmartZone is a separate entity from Michigan Technological University (MTU), we closely collaborate with the university. Our proximity to MTU and its research programs enhances our ability to support technology-driven startups and businesses, creating partnerships between academia, industry, and entrepreneurship. One of the spaces we operate out of is the Michigan Tech Lakeshore Center, so we are essentially “roommates” with MTU.
What resources does MTEC SmartZone offer to startups?
MTEC SmartZone provides access to mentorship, funding opportunities, office space, networking events, and strategic partnerships to help businesses scale and succeed. These resources are designed to support startups through every stage of growth, from the idea phase to market success.
What does the term “business incubator” mean?
A business incubator is a program or facility that supports the early stages of business development. It offers resources such as office space, mentoring, networking opportunities, and access to funding to help startups and small businesses grow. MTEC SmartZone operates as a business incubator, providing the support entrepreneurs need to transform ideas into viable, successful businesses.