A sizable chunk of change is coming to the small town of Alma in Michigan's Gratiot County as a small business hub is set to receive a cool $2 million. This investment, Allyson of a $1.2 trillion federal government funding bill that President Joe Biden approved, is specifically earmarked for the town, according to reports from ABC12. Alma’s city manager, Aeric Ripley, spoke to the urgent need "to create some sort of incubation," particularly in expanding the region's technological expertise.
Senator Gary Peters, who played a pivotal role in securing the funds, aims to attract and retain talent in the area's strong manufacturing sector, as noted by The Daily Posting. The hub, known formally as the Center for Small Business Innovation, Incubation, and Development (BIID), is projected to be a force of economic support, especially for entrepreneurs eyeing growth in critical sectors of mid-Michigan's economy. Planned to inhabit the former Brown Printing building in downtown Alma, the city manager expressed optimism that within 18 months of receiving the funds, the hub should be operational.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Alma College in conjunction with local and regional partners and is expected to offer a platform for small businesses to start and sustain. As detailed by Alma College's COO, Timothy Pinnow, to ABC12, aside from business support, the hub would feature a "small prototyping lab" and other resources crucial for business owners.
The town has already identified and plans to refurbish a site for this new business hub. Located in the heart of the city, the site aims to draw people to shop, dine, and ultimately, energize Alma's local economy every day. As Ripley stated in an interview obtained by Alma College News, they hope to not only revitalize downtown but also to provide a beacon for budding business minds eager to plant their ideas and grow them in Alma.
Fostering a symbiotic relationship between education and industry, the hub will also focus on enhancing students' skills relevant to the job market. College and high school students in the region will have access to tailored programs, a benefit that Ripley commented upon, as covered by The Daily Posting, reflecting the community's commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders. Gary Peters applauded the bipartisan efforts that facilitated this funding, pointing out the value this legislation will add to Michigan and beyond as stated by The Daily Posting. The initiative is a hopeful step towards fueling economic growth and stability in Alma.
