Macomb-OU Incubator hosts grand opening in Sterling Heights

The people behind the Macomb-Oakland University INCubator plan to start showing off their new place in Sterling Heights on Momday at their grand opening.The INCubator, 7205 Sterling Ponds Court, will focus on developing start-ups specializing in defense, homeland security, advanced manufacturing and alternative energy. However, many of the firms will likely be defense-oriented because of its proximity to a number of defense contractor offices.Sterling Heights, Macomb County, and Oakland University started the incubators earlier this year, capitalizing on its state SmartZone designation for business incubation. So far two companies have signed on and another four are close to sealing the deal.”That will be in the next week or so, so for all intents and purposes we have six,” says Luke Bonner, economic development manager for Sterling Heights.The INCubator is expected to house up to 12 new companies and help create 130 new jobs by next year. Those numbers are expected to shoot up to 55 new companies and nearly 600 new jobs by 2015.  Source: Luke Bonner, economic development manager for Sterling HeightsWriter: Jon Zemke