EDA University Center for Community & Economic Development
The mission of the University of Michigan-Flint EDA University Center for Community & Economic Development is to coordinate, inform, and contribute to economic development efforts that cultivate innovation and advance high-growth entrepreneurship needed to build and sustain a diversified economy throughout the 7-county I-69 Thumb Region (Genesee, Shiawassee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties).
The EDA University Center will receive direction and guidance from:
- Stakeholders who rely on its services and research and
- A Regional Advisory Board, consisting of a representative cross-section of the I69 thumb region.
Focus Areas
Economic Development
- Annual 7-county business climate survey
- Applied research to support the work of economic development partners
- Data collection & analysis, freely accessible to the public
- I-69 Thumb Region Comprehensive Economic Development Asset Mapping Platform
- Regional Data Dashboard
Community Development
- Applied research funding to support faculty/student teams
- Faculty/Student teams in 2018’s Applied Research Spotlight and Reports
- Community meetings and focus groups
- Dissemination of information to help strengthen local communities
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Innovation Incubator [IN] at the Ferris Wheel
- Innovation Incubator [IN] at the Northbank Center
- Innovation Incubator [IN] on the Road
- Workshops, seminars, business bootcamps