June 2021 Newsletter
Monroe County's Lead Economic Development Organization geared up with a growth strategy for the 21st Century …

Celebration of Monroe County's Young Entrepreneurs
On May 27, Monroe Public Schools and Generation E showcased the next leaders and innovators at the 2021 Young Entrepreneur Celebration. The format of this celebration was inspired by Shark Tank, the reality TV series.

Due to pandemic constraints, the showcase was planned for final student contestants, their families, and the panel of judges. The celebration was shared live on Monroe Public Schools' YouTube channel. You may view the entire event at https://www.youtube.com/MonroeSchools/.

Monroe Public Schools offers entrepreneurship curriculum which ignites innovative spirit with programs that inspire and guide creative thinking. Students are provided opportunities to learn and practice entrepreneurial skills through critical thinking exercises, problem-solving activities, and researching ideas based on student interests to create business ventures. As young entrepreneurs, the students have developed products, services, and business ideas.
Student entrepreneurs were narrowed down to a group of final contestants through a selection process that included applications and phone interviews in which they shared details about their entrepreneurial experience.

Monetary awards were presented to the top business in the following categories – Best Product/Service, Best Advertising, Best Display, Best Business Idea/Plan, and Best Product Pitch. The most prestigious award is the Best Overall Business.

All student entrepreneurs gave amazing presentations! And, although best were chosen in each category, all student entrepreneurs are winners:
 
  • Best Overall – Caroline Wozniak, Caroline’s Cozy Comfort
  • Best Product / Service – Michael Butler, Artificial Flies
  • Best Advertising – Marwan Alabdalla, The Shwarma House
  • Best Display – Caroline Wozniak, Caroline’s Cozy Comfort
  • Best Business Idea / Plan – Leah Harris, Rainbdoh
  • Best Product Pitch – Malaki Reilly – Music Man Lessons
  • Honorable Mentions – Matayah Hammill, Vinyl Pops and Noah Page, Pet Palace
  
Congratulations to all students who participated! These students are truly the leaders and innovators in our future.

Advancing Manufacturing through Industry 4.0
Increasing awareness of Industry 4.0 in Monroe County remains top of mind at the BDC. There are several programs rolling out this summer that we believe will provide a true tangible benefit for area manufacturers.

  • INDUSTRY 4.0 TECH ASSESSMENTS - Our partners at the MMTC are offering FREE technology/processes assessments to 300 Michigan companies (valued $2500). The goal of these sessions is to review processes and see where implementing Industry 4.0 technology can lead to a direct increase in your bottom line.
  • LEADERSHIP EVALUATION - Our partners at Automation Alley are providing this FREE to essential members. The program measures the readiness of your organization to adopt Industry 4.0 Technologies. It's the first step to determine what your next steps might be. Simple and fast, you'll learn where your gaps may exist and where opportunities await. 
  • CYBERSECURITY INTERNS - The University of Michigan's Economic Growth Institute is launching a new program to develop cybersecurity professionals in the manufacturing sector. They are looking to deploy student interns in manufacturing facilities starting this fall. Additionally, if there is an employee that you would like to upskill, the program is able to accommodate that as well.

If you are interested in any of the above opportunities, please contact Matt via phone (734-241-8081 x 3) or via email at mvanisacker@monroecountybdc.org.
Monroe County Highlights by Florence Buchanan

The Monroe County Link Plan Pillar Teams have been busy with activity this past month. Please view the May 2021 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!
Michigan's Cornerstone

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 us increase visibility of the beautiful southeast corner of Michigan where we live and do business. Help others see what we already know ... share our story, your story!

Use the brand to compliment your current marketing plans to help boost awareness that you are part of a community that is worth being put on the map! Co-branding opportunities exist so visit Michcornerstone.com and see some examples that may spark ideas. Click "Request Brand Logo Files" and fill out the form to gain access to the shared logo folder.
Back to Work Resources

As the economy continues to recover, the Small Business Development Corporation of Michigan (SBDC) has launched a new ‘Back to Work’ effort highlighting programs and services that help businesses and their workforce.

The new online resource – Michigan.gov/BackToWork – centralizes programs and services aimed at helping employers fill job openings and provide safe, healthy work environments for workers. Download a highlight of the resources being offered.
EDC Municipal Conference 2021

Please save the date for the next EDC Municipal Conference being held on Thursday, September 16, at 6:00 pm. This conference will share information beneficial to local elected officials, appointed zoning and planning commissions and staff.  More information will be available soon.
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