Want to learn the finer points of applying for DNR recreation grants? Join DNR grants management staff in early 2016 for  workshops that will help make your applications more competitive.  The statewide workshops, beginning Jan. 12, will cover scoring criteria and how to successfully complete an application.

Frequent comments and questions staff are asked will be worked into the program, as well as tips for getting the greatest number of points possible on your application. Staff will also walk users through the MiRecGrants program to make applying easier for applicants.

Check out the workshop in your area; registration is not necessary. If you have any questions, contact  your grant coordinator, or call 517-284-7268.

AGRIPRENEUR CLASS OFFERS HELP FOR FOOD AND FARM BUSINESSES 
Food or farm business entrepreneurs ready to take their concept to the next level can learn how at a series of classes in Petoskey.  “Agripreneur Focus: Developing Your Food or Farm Business” will be offered in six, four-hour long classes beginning February 18.  The class is being offered by the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with the Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) Product Center.

Pure Michigan Business Connect, in partnership with FCA, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Toyota, and nearly 50 of their tier one partners is excited to announce the 2016 Pure Michigan Automotive Matchmaking Summit to be held on March 2nd at COBO Center in Downtown Detroit. This matchmaking initiative will target both production and non-production commodities in an effort to fill open procurement gaps with qualified Michigan suppliers. To date, we have received over 400 needs from purchasers listed below. Because of the continued interest and participation, please make sure to check the application periodically, as more needs will be uploaded over the application period.To be considered for an opportunity to attend the summit, please complete the application below by January 15th. 

Buyers participating include: FCA, Ford, GM, Toyota, Advics, Aisin World Corporation of America, Alberici Constructors, American Axle & Mfg., ATS Automation, Inc, Barton Malow Company, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, Borgwarner, Inc., Bridgestone Americas, Inc., Caretera Gestamp, Comau Inc., Commodity Management Services (CMS), Dana Holding Corporation, Delphi Automotive, Denso International America, Inc., Faurecia, Flextronics International, Federal-Mogul Corporation, Flex-N-Gate, Fujitsu Ten Corporation of America, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc., International Automotive Components, Jasco International, Johnson Controls, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Americas, Inc., J-TEKT North America, Kautex Textron, Kelly Services, Inc., KUKA Systems Corporation North America, LEAR, Linamar, MSX International, NGK Spark Plugs (USA), Inc., Plastic Omnium Auto Inergy, Ryder System, Inc, ThyssenKrupp, Toyoda Gosei, TRAM and QSS, TRW/ZF, and Walbridge.

MORE DETAILS

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mike Christ (Christm@michigan.org).

MCACA will be conducting free informational workshops on grant guidelines and the application process for potential applicants throughout the state in April in anticipation of the June 1, 2016 deadline. Workshop attendance is not required for grant applicants; however, updated guidelines and application process changes will be reviewed at each meeting, so attendance is encouraged. Pre-registration or RSVPs are not required.

•  April 29, 2016 (10:30 a.m.) – Cheboygan Area Public Library, 100 S. Bailey St., Cheboygan, Michigan

MCACA will offer grants through six programs: Operational Support, Project Support, Capital Improvements,  Arts in Education Residency,Mini-grants, New Leaders

Michigan nonprofit organizations, schools and municipalities are eligible to apply for projects that would take place between October 1, 2016 and September 30, 2017.  Information about specific grant programs as well as the guidelines is available on the web atwww.michiganadvantage.org/arts.

The Starting a Business Workshop is intended for individuals in the beginning stages of starting a business, in need of accessing capital, or simply considering self-employment. Delivered in a workshop format, this introductory session helps aspiring entrepreneurs assess their abilities to lead and manage a company, as well as evaluate market and sales potential for their products/services. Start-up costs, financing options, and business planning are introduced, along with necessary steps to getting started. This workshop is a pre-requisite to meeting with a consultant one-on-one. The presenter is SBDC Business Consultant Kathleen Bagley. There is no cost to attend; however, pre-registration is required. The workshop is being held at North Central Michigan College, 1515 Howard Street, Petoskey, MI 49770. For more information, contact the SBDC at sbdc@networksnorthwest.org or (231) 922-3780. Register online.