Michigan

This grant renews support to the Prima Civitas Foundation to pursue a broad range of initiatives and strategies designed to make Michigan globally competitive in the new economy. Begun in 2005 with the mission of transforming mid-Michigan's economy, the grantee now works statewide to build networks that connect Michigan's knowledge assets with catalytic opportunities for economic growth. During the grant period, the grantee will continue to implement a strategic plan focused on promoting international trade; attracting international businesses; and recruiting, retaining, and developing a 21st century workforce. Through the Flint Area Reinvestment Office, a program of Prima Civitas, the grantee will also continue to maintain a strong focus on the Greater Flint region.

This grant provides general support for operations of the Greater Flint Arts Council, an independent agency providing support to local artists and services to supporters of the arts throughout greater Flint. With a goal of being a catalyst for increased artistic and cultural programs for Flint's ethnically diverse community, the Greater Flint Arts Council enriches the community with an array of culturally diverse services, educational programs, publications, and events.

This grant will enable the Mid-Michigan Innovation Team, a project of the Prima Civitas Foundation, and its partners to take the lead in coordinating a series of regional activities that could serve as statewide pilots, to facilitate broad-based understanding and dialogue around academia's role as a commercialization engine for an economically distressed region. In addition, this initiative will identify exemplary practices that will help a broader base of students, entrepreneurs, and potential investors to share in the largess that academic systems can offer business innovators.