Innovate Marquette SmartZone is one of 21 SmartZones located throughout the state. Established in 2015, the SmartZone provides support, guidance, and services to local entrepreneurs and small business owners in Marquette County and the Upper Peninsula. The organization is supported by the MEDC and the City of Marquette, providing a unique set of resources, experiences, and knowledge.
Recently, the organization secured a Capital Challenge grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration‘s Build to Scale program. The grant will infuse $611,911 into local economic development efforts over the next three years. The organization plans to use the new resources for the Make it Marquette Start to Scale project, which will leverage educational, economic development, and capital investor partnerships.
Joe Thiel, CEO of Innovate Marquette SmartZone, is on the InvestUP Board of Directors.