HOUGHTON - About eight years ago, the MTEC SmartZone Business Accelerator was implemented, giving local small businesses a place to begin and grow.
Twenty-four entrepreneurs entered the MTEC SmartZone Business Accelerator, located in what is now the Michigan Technological University Lakeshore Center, and while eight have graduated, the rest continue to grow, said Jonathan Leinonen, program director at the MTEC SmartZone.
"We've had a number of these companies begin their operations or move into their operations in the early stages and some of those now have made their way through to where they are considered graduates," he said.
The MTEC SmartZone provides startup services for technology-based companies. The companies receive assistance to become established, which includes the development of a business plan, use of marketing assistants and research, funding sources and product development and prototyping, he said.
"Most of the companies that we have are in one way or another needing funding," he said.
The SmartZone helps with research grants and applications for grants, Leinonen said. There are also state programs, such as matching programs, which helps the small companies grow, as well as a local revolving loan fund.
"Many of the companies we have are software based," he said.
Talon Research is one of the companies which started and grew within the MTEC SmartZone. Talon Research specializes in computer-aided design for clients in the medical, security, military, industrial, construction and environmental sectors, Leinonen said. The company also developed their own line of infrared "BridgeGuard" products.
"Talon works closely with clients to design, prototype, research and develop new products to help streamline engineering and manufacturing operations," he said. "They can detect problems with the bridges so the (Michigan Department of Transportation) can be more effective in maintaining their bridge infrastructure and the associated costs along with that."
The company grew from a small home office 23 years ago and has grown into a successful high-tech small business with national and international contracts, Leinonen said. Talon Research serves as one of many success stories from the SmartZone.
Leinonen said the SmartZone is continuously looking for new small businesses interested in growing into bigger businesses while using many of the contacts and services offered by the SmartZone.
"A lot of times people will come in because they need somewhere to operate, but once we have a conversation with them, they realize there is a lot more we bring to the table in actually helping them grow as a business," he said.
A new program, called the Entrepreneur Support Center, is located at the Jutila Center in Hancock, and is geared toward helping new businesses by working specifically with local service providers in the community, he said. The center, which accommodates up to 14 people, also serves as office space. The new center requires a $50 startup business fee and that allows access to an accountant, attorney, market research, marketing assistant and insurance services, among others.
"The Entrepreneur Support Center is open to everyone and we don't focus just on technology-based," he said. "We've had apparel and a learning-type business. We have someone starting an arts type of organization and we have a couple of inventors. We have someone selling salsa."
For more information, contact Jonathan Leinonen at jleinonen@mtecsz.com or at 487-7004.
