SBTDC honored by Governor

Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. honored the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center network -- which is headquartered at Grand Valley State University -- for its work in diversifying Michigan's economy.

The SBTDC was presented with the Outstanding Diversification Achievement Non-Profit Economic Development Partner award. The awards were presented during the Michigan Diversification Celebration held at the state Capitol in Lansing.

“The SBTDC could not be a more deserving recipient of this award. The MEDC depends on the SBTDC to be its outreach to the state’s small business and entrepreneurial community,” said Penny Stump, director of business services for the MEDC. “As MEDC’s strategic service partner, the network offers counseling, training and general support to more than 14,000 new ventures, small companies and entrepreneurs each year. The MEDC views the SBTDC network as its grass roots support to companies who are building Michigan’s new economy. We could not do it without them.”

Carol Lopucki, state director of the SBTDC, said she’s proud the network was recognized for its work in growing Michigan’s entrepreneurs.

“The SBTDC has been a partner of the State of Michigan for five years in its effort to transform the state’s economy from reliance upon manufacturing to diversification in areas of life sciences, homeland security, alternative energy, and advanced manufacturing,” Lopucki said. “This translates to one-to-one assistance for innovators who are
commercializing technologies.”

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, existing small businesses and innovative technology companies. With offices statewide, the MI-SBTDC impacts the economy by strengthening existing companies, creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs, and assisting companies in defining their path to success.

The state headquarters is located at Grand Valley State University within the Seidman College of Business. It supports 12 regional offices and over 30 satellite offices, each providing counseling and training to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the 83 counties in Michigan through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.