From: Whipple, Deb (GOV)
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 4:23 PM
Subject: What the governor is talking about today
What the Governor’s Talking about Today
Friday, September 17, 2010
 
Governor Says State Helping Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs Create Jobs
 
In her weekly radio address, the governor today said small businesses are the engine of job creation, and Michigan is helping fuel that engine.
 
“Today we announced the awarding of more than $1.4 million in Regional Entrepreneurial Collaborative grants which are funded through our No Worker Left Behind job training program,” the governor said.  “The grants announced today will go to nine organizations that serve 53 of the state’s 83 counties.  These counties are the ones that need the most help with building support systems for entrepreneurs, and the grants will be used to prepare entrepreneurs for business startups and provide them with assistance.”
 
The governor said the Regional Entrepreneurial Collaborative grants will enhance a Michigan entrepreneurial support ecosystem that’s already among the best in the nation. 
 
Key messages:
 
•  Across the state, small and medium-sized businesses are a major catalyst for job growth and economic diversification.
 
•  We’re working to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and the startup of new businesses through initiatives such as today’s announced grants and others like:
 
-  Twelve Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Centers that provide counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, existing small businesses, and innovative technology companies
 
-  A nationally renowned, hands-on business development program that’s helping 1,000 prospective entrepreneurs hone the skills they need to create, manage and grow a successful business
 
-  Increased access to capital through entities such as the 21st Century Jobs Fund and the Michigan Small Business Financing Alliance
 
Following is a link to a Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth press release with details about the Regional Entrepreneurial Collaborative grants:  http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-10573_11472-243747--,00.html
 
To listen to the radio address, click on the following link:  http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Gov267Full_332783_7.mp3
 
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