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Guiding Entrepreneurship in Monroe County
Monroe County is a community that was built on the backs of entrepreneurship. Starting and growing businesses is something to be celebrated but it does not come without a fair share of long days/nights logging hours to turn dreams into reality. In Monroe County, we do not want to see residents go elsewhere to start or operate their business... we want them to grow and thrive right here. Welcome to Launch 734.

Launch 734 is a conglomerate of entrepreneurial resources to help businesses start, grow, and thrive in Monroe County. The Monroe County Link Plan's Grow Strategic Pillar team recognized the need for programs to directly support those who are looking to start or grow their business. The team recently applied for and received a grant of $100,000 over the next 2 years to get the a series of programming for start-ups, grow-ups and SMEs up and running.

The team has since shifted to be known as the Launch 734 pillar team and serve by providing oversight to this new non-profit organization. The intent is to hire a program director/entrepreneur in residence within the next 4 months but the BDC staff is excited to help get this worthwhile initiative off the ground.

To learn more about the Launch 734 program, please visit Launch 734 (please check back frequently because this site is a work in progress).
Michigan's Cornerstone Social Media

We have a lot of hidden gems in Michigan's Cornerstone! We have high-quality establishments that are fun, interesting, and inspirational, and ... we have quite a few of them following Michigan's Cornerstone social media.

We hope some of the below photos spark your attention! Spend some time visiting some Monroe County restaurants and shops, take photos and share them with the hashtag #MICorner. We have amazing things to share so let's get out there and let others learn about all we have to offer in Monroe County, Michigan!
Monroe County is Michigan's Cornerstone. This is our brand ... developed for and owned by every resident, business, manufacturer, and municipality that is located within Monroe County, Michigan. Help increase visibility of our beautiful southeast corner of Michigan. Click below to access the Michcornerstone social media pages ... follow them, post, and lead others here to enjoy what our county offers:
Learn more about the Monroe County Brand by visiting Michcornerstone.com.
1000 Days of Construction

On July 1, 2021, the Gordie Howe International Bridge marked 1000 days since the start of construction and are celebrating the determination, commitment and hard work of staff, contractors, laborers and suppliers contributing to the progress achieved on all four components of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. 

Progress over the past 1000 days includes near completion of all design work; earthworks, utility work, the start of building construction and the completion of the Perimeter Access Road at the Canadian Port of Entry (POE); earthworks and utility work at the US POE; demolition and start of reconstruction of three road bridges as part of the Michigan Interchange; and completion of the tower foundations and the start of construction of the bridge towers.

Since the official start of construction on October 5, 2019, more than 145 businesses in Windsor-Essex and Detroit have been engaged by Bridging North America (BNA) and more than 3,900 workers, 46 percent of which are local, have taken part in the project. The coming years are expected to be among the busiest times of construction on the project.
Monroe County Highlights by Florence Buchanan

The Monroe County Link Plan Pillar Teams have been busy with activity this past month. Please view the June's highlights here.

If you would like to learn more or get involved in the Monroe County Link Plan, please contact the Project Manager, Florence Buchanan, via email or by phone at (419) 654-1934. You may also visit the Monroe County Link website!
Educate, Counsel, Train for Free
Are you age 25 or older and don't have a college degree? If so, you could attend MCCC tuition-free through Michigan Reconnect, a State of Michigan program. To be eligible, you must:
  • Apply for admission to MCCC
  • Be at least 25 years old when you apply for Michigan Reconnect
  • Be a Michigan resident at at least 1 year (U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen)
  • Be a resident of Monroe County
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Have not yet earned an associate or bachelor's degree

Learn more here: www.monroeccc.edu/reconnect
Check out Michigan SBDC's new website for access to:
  • Upcoming training & recorded webinars
  • Tips & best practices for small business owners
  • Resources for starting, growing or selling a business
  • Materials translated in Spanish, Arabic, and (simplified) Chinese
  • One-on-one consulting

And much more and for absolutely FREE! They have helped many businesses reinvent themselves with their assistance and resources. Spend some time looking over their website at SBDC Michigan (michigansbdc.org).
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Attendance will be beneficial to local elected officials, appointed zoning and planning commissions and staff.  More info available soon.
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