Kettering University has formed a partnership with the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC)and will soon begin offering regional services to small businesses in Genesee and Lapeer counties. The MI-SBTDC will be housed in Kettering's Campus Center, located at the corner of Third and Chevrolet avenues in Flint. Offices will be located on the fifth floor of the Campus Center in the Graduate Studies area.

The MI-SBTDC regional office, hosted by Kettering University, will be staffed with an intake administrator, regional director and traditional business consultant. It will provide office space for one of 10 statewide technology business consultants. The technology consultants specialize in helping tech-minded entrepreneurs develop and commercialize products or services that involve intellectual property or patented technology.

Kettering President Stan Liberty said he is pleased with this new partnership. "This collaboration will be an important asset for Kettering as we further develop our ability to assist in regional economic development. Kettering is committed to cultivating and nurturing technology-based small businesses, and having the ability in-house to provide small business services is critical to that outreach mission. Hosting the Region 6 MI-SBTDC on campus will also provide opportunities for the further development of entrepreneurship programming at Kettering. It will also give students increased opportunities to participate in valuable real-world projects and give Kettering the potential of establishing co-op positions with new corporate partners."

The regional office at Kettering will house a Biz Resource Center (BRC), an extensive one-stop small business reference library of hardware, software, hard copy books and publications intended to help entrepreneurs plan or expand their businesses. The partnership will also provide support to the Lapeer Economic Development Corporation as a satellite office, a strong service provider for small businesses in Lapeer County for more than 25 years.

State Director Carol Lopucki said that Biz Resource Centers provide the MI-SBTDC program with an added dimension. "They provide entrepreneurs a place where they can research their business in a quiet and professional atmosphere, with access to consultants for assistance as needed. The centers provide small business owners with the information and tools that will give them the best chance for success," Lopucki concluded.

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center provides counseling, training and advocacy for Michigan's new business ventures, existing small businesses, expanding new businesses, new technology companies, and innovators. Entrepreneurs and small business owners may access the services of their nearest MI-SBTDC by calling (616) 331-7480 or by visiting the MI-SBTDC website.

Kettering University, located in Flint, is one of the country's premier co-op institutions and provides 2,200 students with career-based education in engineering, applied sciences, mathematics, and business management. Founded in 1919, the University also offers graduate programs in engineering and manufacturing management. Kettering University is ranked among the nation's finest specialty schools by U.S. News and World Report.

Pictures and logos courtesy of the MI-SBTDC website.

Written by Pat Mroczek
(810) 762-9533
pmroczek@kettering.edu