Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

The Central Michigan University Research Corporation has been awarded a $1.4 million grant by the Economic Development Administration for renovations to its incubator and accelerator, located in the SmartZone District in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

The investment will support entrepreneurial growth through renovations to CMURC’s professional coworking space. This includes adding 8,111 square feet to the existing 13,000 square feet of space and will feature:

• 34 private offices.
• 14 large offices.
• 9 dedicated desks.
• Modern kitchen and bar area for gatherings.
• Meeting rooms equipped with enhanced video and audio technology for virtual conferencing.
  

 “We are focused on making a positive impact and welcome everyone in the community to engage,” said Strang. “The project will provide coworking office space to better serve small businesses and create new membership opportunities.”

Strang said the need for coworking space has grown, especially since the start of the pandemic.

“While the project encourages entrepreneurship through a well-supported, inclusive, and affordable environment, it also positions CMURC for the quiet revolution whereby businesses are rethinking their long-term office space leases,” she said.

Bob Davies, CMU president and board chair of CMURC, is eager to see the continued impact of CMURC throughout the region.

“Through CMU and CMURC, we are committed to building and fostering an ecosystem of innovation and economic development in communities throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region,” Davies said. “This funding will allow us to further extend our reach and levels of service, creating an even richer environment for entrepreneurship.”

Since the opening of the Mt. Pleasant location in 2002, CMURC has expanded its impact in mid-Michigan and the Great Lakes Bay region by opening locations in Bay City in 2017, Saginaw in 2018, and Midland in 2020.

CMURC leases coworking spaces at each location at a fixed monthly price with no additional overhead. These spaces are available to remote/flex workers, corporations needing offsite meeting space, professionals seeking engagement in the community and entrepreneurs looking to connect.

The grant was announced on May 10 and the project is expected to kick off in June. CMURC is also celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2022 and will be hosting special events, including a fundraiser on September 20. Check the CMURC website for more details.