University Center for Regional Economic Innovation

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REI Update for March, 2014

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Announcements

REI in the News

Michael Forsyth, selected by REI to complete a Co-learning Plan in 2014, is featured in an article in The Detroit News, discussing the successes of test-running a business through the pop-up program. For more information, read the full article, look for the completed Co-Learning plan this fall, and learn about it at the 2014 Innovate Michigan! Summit.

Co-Learning Plan Update

Eight new Co-learning Plans are now underway! For more information about each project, visit the descriptions on our Current Projects page.

• Expanding Economic Literacy by Using the Money Smart for Small Business Curriculum
• Improving TIF Transparency and Accountability: A Consolidated TIF Database for Michigan
• Operation Above Ground: Improving Licensing for New Food Businesses to Promote a Stronger Detroit Food Economy
• Platform, Places and People: Engaging Alumni as Champions of Michigan's Unsung Heroes
• Pop-Up Program Development
• Promotion of Cooperative Enterprises in Distressed Urban and Rural Communities
• Raising Capital from the Community
• Youth Entrepreneurship Education: A Call to Action

Student-Led, Faculty-Guided Projects

The Student-Led Faculty-Guided Project Application for Summer 2014 is still available! Want to do something fun and constructive this summer? Do you have a project in mind for a student team and a community partner? This is your last chance to spring into action! REI will select and support several student-led, faculty-guided economic development projects this spring. You can find more information and apply by visiting the Submit an Application page.

Applications are due by March 14, so apply now!

Save the Date

The Innovate Michigan! Summit will be held on September 4th, 2014 at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. Attendees will participate in co-learning plan sessions to learn about various new innovative economic development tools, models, policies, programs and practices and will hear about the latest student-led, faculty-guided economic development projects.

Michigan Garage and Basement Inventors

REI and the Michigan Inventors Coalition are looking for Michigan garage and basement inventors to share their innovative products and services at the next MIC Expo. Attendees will meet Michigan garage and basement inventors, hear about their latest inventions, see their products, and find out how the discovery-to-market process works in Michigan. To learn more about the Expo, check out last year's video.

If you are interested in exhibiting or would like more information, please contact MIC at thinktankinnovation@gmail.com.

Welcome to our Newest Members

We would like to welcome the newest additions to the REI Network:

• Doug Lynott
• Catherine Meuwissen
• Danan Thomas

Social Media and Listserv

Thank you to our REI members who have helped us reach nearly 900 followers on our Twitter feed, over 350 members on our LinkedIn group, and over 700 on this ListServ.