On behalf of The Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition (UMi-GAC), Michigan Works! The Job Force Board announced today that it received a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) contract to create a "Regional Innovation Cluster." The SBA's "Innovative Economies" pilot initiative supports an economic growth strategy known as regional clustering. Regional clusters aim to grow small businesses, create jobs and strengthen America's competitiveness.
The SBA is supporting 10 "Innovative Economies" initiatives around the country. The awardees represent a wide range of diverse geographic areas and industries with a focus on leading research and commercializing new products.
SBA's funding will be provided to the Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition to strengthen the role of and opportunities for small business within the cluster. The funds will be used to provide services, including mentoring and counseling to small businesses; attract more small business participation and job creation; and enhance research efforts in that field. The Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition is a public-private partnership with 41 active members, focused on expanding the green aviation industry in the U.P.
"There is tremendous potential to develop market share within the green aviation industry," said Vikki Kulju, Executive Director, Telkite Enterprises. "It is a growing market with well over 8500 airplanes estimated to be demolished within the next 5 years."
The SBA received overwhelming interest in the innovative economies programs. Of the total, 173 applications received by SBA, the proposal which was written by Michigan Works! The Job Force Board, Explorer Solutions and Telkite Enterprises, was cited as "one of the highest ranking proposals" it received.
"It was a wonderfully collaborative effort and I couldn't be more impressed with Michigan Works! Not only was their grant writing expertise invaluable, but also they bring tremendous credibility to the table with their past successes." said Kulju, co-author of the proposal.
As stated by Senator Levin in a letter of support he offered to the SBA for this project "The Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition represents a broad based membership from private sector, research and development entities, universities, consulting firms, the Small Business Technology and Development centers, financial institutions, workforce development groups, local and state government and economic development organizations. Its mission is to grow small business through business start up and expansions in the green aviation sector, specifically around airplane deconstruction, reuse and development of products from recycling byproducts, and research and development to enhance reuse and promote the science behind recycling."
The Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition, while open to additional members, is currently comprised of three airports in our region:
● Marquette County, Sawyer International Airport's Sawyer where Telkite Enterprises, Explorer Solutions and Marquette County have been developing the Sawyer Aero-Tech Dismantling and Recycling Center for the past 18 months.
● Delta County Airport where Explorer Solutions have recently been employed to assist them in developing their market niche.
● Houghton County Airport, the newest member in the coalition.
"The Upper Michigan Green Aviation Cluster has made great progress in growing its influence through attracting small businesses to further develop their technologies, linking those businesses with our research universities and utilizing sector specific experts to launch a business plan to develop and expand small businesses in the green aviation sector. SBA support of the Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition will play a significant role in stimulating our sluggish economy across the region as a result of business start ups and job creation in higher paying jobs", commented Paul Arsenault, Chair of the Six County Employment Alliance and member of the UMi-GAC.
Those interested in learning more about or participating in the UMi-GAC may contact Vikki Kulju at (906) 869-2391 or vikki@telkite.com.
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