Chris Holman catches up with David Emmel, President NLEA, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Boyne City/Harbor Springs/Petoskey, MI, for a periodic check-in.
Watch Dave catch Chris up on the last several months and the details on the new NLIA, click play on the YouTube video.
They briefly look back to the NLEA annual meeting from the spring. Then discuss how the summer has gone. NLEA is still assisting the state in COVID response. The Big News for NLEA,... the brand new NLIA, (they've just launched the Northern Lakes Innovation Alliance), how long has this been in the works? How many counties will the alliance cover?
NLEA shared some more details about the Innovation Alliance.
The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) introduces a new program that provides space for entrepreneurs to grow ideas and access capital.
NLIA is an event for innovators in various industries to pitch their start-up or growth idea for a chance to receive funding. It also provides connections within the NLEA business, resource and financing networks as well as access to early-stage funding and the potential to meet other inventors and investors. The Innovation Alliance program is designed to cultivate a culture of innovation and problem-solving throughout Northern Michigan.
NLEA will host invitation-only events to hear more about each business’ plans. Join the program to meet with like-minded individuals who are focused on innovation and entrepreneurship.
The NLEA is looking for those involved in the following industries to apply: Value-Added Agriculture, Outdoor Recreation, Tech, Research & Development, Manufacturing, and Recylce/UpCycle Industries. NLEA is offering an additional path for businesses/individuals to pitch their ideas for business support. Businesses or individuals looking for support and networking opportunities to bring a concept to life and who live or work the NLEA region of Antrim, Charlevoix and Cheboygan counties are invited to register online here. Registrants will be invited to join the program and schedule a date to meet and discuss their business idea.
Financial support for Northern Lakes Innovation Alliance is provided by the DTE Foundation and Consumers Energy.
