Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are essential to an innovative economy and a key element to the future success and prosperity of the region.  

The EDA is a proud supporter of entrepreneurship and manages a newly established Region 6 small business hub and the Port Huron Smartzone incubator dedicated to helping the region's entrepreneurs launch or grow their small business ventures.  

• Eastern Michigan Small Business Network - The Economic Development Aliance (EDA) has launched a new small business hub in the region through a $2.5 million grant award.   This includes a new small business Cohort program that will accept 20 entrepreneurs annually (2024-2026) and provide up to $7,000 in professional services to each participatin entrepreneur.    
• The Underground Incubator and Business Service Center -  Providing entrepreneurial & small business support, co-working space, private office rentals, entrepreneurial funding, business incubation & acceleration programs, permanent office space and more.   To learn more about funding opportunities,  entrepreneurial services or to call The Underground home,  visit:  www.startunderground.com or call 810.937.2003 with any questions.    The EDA manages the Underground which is an approved SmartZone business incubator with funding and resources made possible via a partnership with The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). *Private offices at the  Underground are dedicated to for-profit small business startups, small business entrepreneurs and second-stage companies.   
•  Contact Kanchan at The Underground to learn more about potential grants, funding opportunities and about the programs and services that can help you launch or grow your small business.   Working on a Tech- related business venture?  Growing tech-based entrepreneurial businesses is a priority for The Underground Smartzone with special funding opportunities available for this sector.    810-937-2003  (business must be operate from St. Clair County) 
• The Underground has recently expanded "above ground" and has waterfront private offices available to lease to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs of for-profit businesses.  A training room that can accommodate 25-30 is also available for rental for off-site business meetings and events.   
  
  
• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – SBDC offers no-cost assistance in everything from writing a business plan to finding ways to finance your start-up to expanding your business into international markets.  The local SBDC representative can meet with you one-one-one for free consultation in their office at The Underground.  SBDC counselor, Shannon Schwabe looks forward to assisting you!