
Community and Economic Development Resources
The mission of the UM-Flint EDA University Center for Community and 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).

Help in Starting a Business
The Innovation Incubator is a program of the Office of Economic Development focusing on:
- Staff helping people start local businesses and non-profits.
- Free workshops offered periodically.
- Social entrepreneurship, innovation, and creative economy-based ventures.

Entrepreneur Program for Teachers and Students Grade 3-5
UM-Flint’s Young Sharks Program is both a curriculum for teachers and their students in grades 3-5 and a county-wide event for young entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas.