$813,300 will increase support for entrepreneurship and advance state recycling goals
A US Department of Commerce of $813,330 Economic Development Administration (EDA) will drive Michigan’s circular economy through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) NextCycle Michigan initiative.
EGLE launched NextCycle Michigan in 2021 to connect entrepreneurs, businesses, organizations and communities to technical support, financial resources and capacity building for recycling, recovery and reuse initiatives. Resource recycling systems (RRS) manages and facilitates the Partnership, Innovation and Engagement initiative in collaboration with the Centrepolis Accelerator at Lawrence Technological University and the Michigan Recycling Coalition (MRC).
The EDA announced the grant to Centrepolis for a $1.63 million project to advance technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial support and start-up capital. In collaboration with EGLE, RRS and the MRC, Centrepolis plans to produce and expand assistance to disadvantaged businesses and communities, including:
- Technical assistance to remove structural market barriers and use technology and service solutions to focus on building capacity for recycling, recovery and reuse initiatives in struggling communities and upstream and downstream markets. Upstream refers to companies, projects and programs that prevent waste “upstream” of production, while downstream refers to projects that improve, innovate or expand the recycling, recovery and end uses of materials and organic matter “downstream” from the production of the product or packaging.
- Entrepreneur support, including coaching, investor relations and programming, coordinated by Michigan Smart Zones.
- Technology commercialization assistance, including access to university labs, testing and product mapping.
- Circular economy events to bring industry and recycling value chain players together within underserved communities to harness economic opportunity, investment, and job creation across the state.
The project is expected to significantly increase Michigan’s circular economy by generating highly skilled, well-paying jobs and economic growth; removing trade barriers; stimulate the deployment of innovative technologies and services; and support partnership, innovation, and engagement focused on Michigan’s struggling communities. The circular economy refers to eliminating waste and pollution, maintaining the use of products and materials, and regenerating natural systems. The focus on reuse and recycling aligns with MI Healthy Climate Plan goal of tripling Michigan’s recycling rate in 2005 to 45% by 2030.
The EDA awards grants competitively based on the availability of funds and the merit and eligibility of applicants. More information is available at eda.gov or by calling the EDA at 202-482-2900.