Economic Development Partnerships
In order for the cowork and the incubator space to be sustainable and successful, there will be partnerships with local organizations to combine efforts. Instead of developing or re-recreating a training program, we will partner with existing organizations that provide viable and effective business training programs and mentorships.
Businesses in the incubation program, cowork space members, and local businesses in the business district will all have access to and benefit from the trainings. In order to have a thriving business district, we will offer training programs for all interested businesses in the district.
LINC has made partnerships with the following organizations to provide training:
MI-SBDTC (Michigan Small Business Development and Technology Center)- will provide technical assistance to members of the cowork space as needed, and will provide a formal business training program for the members of the incubation program.
WMHCC (West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)- works with the Hispanic business community in West Michigan and will offer Bilingual Business Training Workshops for free. We would partner with the Hispanic Chamber to take advantage of their Spanish training classes for any business owner in our incubation space that may be proficient in the English language.
NV (Neighborhood Ventures)- Works in the 20 business districts of Grand Rapids to ensure viability and sustainability. We will work in partnership for a referral system when they get a business owner looking to move into the Madison Square business District or the Roosevelt Park Business District.
Economic development partnerships is our link to a highly-successful business climate in our business districts.
