Kettering University’s multi-faceted commitment to local outreach and regional economic development took another step forward for 2015 with the eighth annual renewal of its Host partnership with the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) and an investment in creating a more “purpose built” space for SBDC at Kettering.

Kettering and SBDC will be celebrating the grand re-opening of the MI-SBDC I-69 Trade Corridor Regional Office from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, in its new location, Room 5-951 in the Campus Center building.  Kettering University President Dr. Robert K. McMahan, Provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs Dr. James Zhang and SBDC Regional Director Marsha Lyttle will mark the event with a ribbon cutting and dedication at 1 p.m. 

“The Small Business Development Center regional office plays an important part in Kettering’s strategic commitment to economic redevelopment in Flint and the region,” McMahan said. “SBDC is a valued member of the Kettering community, also providing student and organizational support for cultivating innovation and entrepreneurship. We are delighted to continue hosting the regional office and our commitment to the partnership is evident in our investment in new facilities exclusively for MI-SBDC.”

The Michigan Small Business Development Center is a statewide organization funded primarily by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic well-being by providing no-cost counseling, business education, secondary market research and technology commercialization assistance for new ventures and existing small businesses as well as advanced technology companies. The SBDC positively impacts the economy by strengthening existing companies, creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs, and assisting companies in defining their path to success. The I-69 Trade Corridor Regional office hosted by Kettering University serves Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola and Huron counties.  It is one of 11 regions serving Michigan’s 83 counties, with headquarters hosted by Seidman School of Business at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids.

“Since the partnership was initiated in 2007, Kettering has provided strong support and great facilities that allowed us to assist thousands of local and regional businesses, and we have enjoyed a unique and meaningful integration of SBDC services in Kettering’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem” Lyttle said. “Our new offices are amazing. Not only do we have more room and a location that enhances privacy for our clients, one unexpected bonus is the great view from our west-facing windows!” 

For more information on MI-SBDC, visit www.SBDCMichigan.org or contact the regional office at Kettering at (810) 762-9660.