EDA University Center for Community & Economic Development

Office of Economic Development

 The mission of the UM-Flint EDA University Center for Community & Economic Development is to coordinate, inform, and contribute to economic development efforts that:

1. Cultivate innovation
2. Create a path for proof-of-concept development and commercialization
3. Provide employer-identified workforce development programs needed to build and sustain a resilient and inclusive economy throughout the I-69 Thumb region of Michigan.

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 I-69 thumb region.

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Focus Areas

Economic Development

• 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 Northbank Center
• Innovation Incubator [IN] on the Road
• Workshops, seminars, business boot camps