Lawrence Tech lands entrepreneurship grant

metromode, 7/30/2009

Most entrepreneurial-based grants usually have something to do with making new business dreams become reality. That's not the case with Lawrence Technological University's spiffy, new $70,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration.

The funds will enable Lawrence Tech to study Metro Detroit's entrepreneurial environment in order to identify the area's strengths and weaknesses and how to improve/capitalize on both.

"It's going to take a look at what's being effective for innovation and entrepreneurs in the region," says Mark Brucki, executive director of development and government relations at Lawrence Tech and project director of the study. "It will map out what is being done and what isn't being done."

The university is doing this as part of a $146,000 feasibility study. The Detroit Regional Chamber is also chipping in with $10,000, with Lawrence Tech making up the balance.

Among the things the study will determine is the feasibility of creating a regional Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Recommendations on that and other areas to improve the region's entrepreneurial infrastructure will be made within a year.

Source: Mark Brucki, executive director of development and government relations at Lawrence Tech
Writer: Jon Zemke

Southfield