TechTown keeps growing, lands two new tenants

TechTown ties up a busy 2009 with a bow with the recent announcement of two new tenants. Kansas City-based Kauffman Foundation and the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center have established satellite offices there that will both work to promote entrepreneurship.

The Kauffman Foundation's Detroit office will focus solely on its Urban Entrepreneurial Partnership (UEP) program, which will operate under the name UEP Detroit 150. This name references its mission of providing 150 of Detroit's displaced minority auto suppliers intensive one-on-one coaching, with the idea of "retooling" their skills into other industries, including including aerospace, alternative energy, medical devices, military and homeland security. UEP will hire three to five locals to staff the office. The program is funded by a $3 million grant from the New Economy Initiative.

The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, existing small businesses and innovative technology companies. It has offices statewide.

Source: Allison Lumb, TechTown
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh