The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County celebrates its $2.5 million grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Small Business Support Hubs program (SBSH). The awarded funds are earmarked to enhance the Small Business Development Center’s services in Region 6, fostering growth in the Port Huron SmartZone Hub and the affiliated Underground Incubator for tech and non-tech startups.
This initiative extends its reach to Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, and Sanilac Counties, establishing counseling and training hubs. Co-working spaces in St. Clair’s Village of Capac and Huron’s Bad Axe will emerge through local community foundations.
The EDA plans to expand its Emerge Fund across Region 6, seeding it with grant funds of around $426,000 for eligible small businesses over three years. Collaboration with service providers aims to provide essential support in legal, accounting, marketing, and other vital areas, fostering entrepreneurial success and regional economic growth.
Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell
