REI E-Update for May, 2018: Project Announcements

REI E-Update

May, 2018

2017-2018 Project Year

Share, Learn, Create Innovative Economic Development Ideas!

A diverse and dynamic network that develops and implements innovative economic development ideas, tools, models, policies, and practices for Michigan.

In This Issue

Call for Ideas!

Social Enterprise Video

Stand Out Co-Learning Plan

2018 Co-Learning Plans

2018 Innovation Fellows

2018 Student-Led Faculty Guided Projects

VISIT THE
REI WEBSITE

Now Accepting Ideas for 2019 Co-Learning Plans

We Need Your #Ideas4MI!

Michigan needs new ideas to improve our economy for all Michiganders. Do you have an idea? We take the best ideas and find experts to turn them into Co-Learning Plans! Submit your idea on our Suggest an Idea page or by tweeting using #Ideas4MI!

Social Enterprise Video

Social Entrepreneurship in Legacy Cities

Jason Ball and Steve Wolbert, Co-Learning Plan 2017

A Social Enterprise is an organization that generates revenue by selling a product or service to serve their mission of delivering social value. In this video, we have highlighted multiple social enterprises across Michigan, and offered advice as to how local governments can help create policies to encourage the development of Social Enterprises in their communities.

Thumbnail for Social Enterprises in Legacy Cities Video

Stand Out Co-Learning Plan

Agriculture Technological Innovation in Michigan

Terri Barker, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Ms. Barker applied to work on a Co-Learning Plan and asked for no REI financial support. We were impressed with her enthusiasm and passion to do this important work for the state of Michigan without REI compensation. Ms. Barker's CLP will be highlighted throughout this project year as our Stand Out project for 2018. This Co-Learning Plan will help stakeholders operating in the food and agriculture technology sector throughout the State of Michigan to identify statewide resources for economic developers, policymakers and entrepreneurs. Barker is already working with several food and agricultural tech companies in Michigan and she has engaged MSU Tech Transfer Centers and MEDC Smartzone business accelerators to start identifying existing resources and tools. By leveraging existing Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) networks and partnerships such as the Michigan Economic Development Association, venture capital and angel investor groups, etc., Barker is collecting existing food and agricultural tech resources quickly and effectively, researching policy and development resources around the country. The Co-Learning Plan will include a brief analysis of existing and potential tools as well as models that could grow the food and agriculture technology sector in Michigan. Food and agricultural tech sector stakeholders and businesses will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the analysis prior to completion of the report. Barker anticipates that throughout the Co-Learning Plan process, the REI Center will be a valued asset for by providing feedback on blind spots that may need to be addressed and methods to presenting the information so that it communicates to a diverse audience.

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