Thimbleberries are almost ripe, Pasty Fest has concluded, and another summer is flying by! While we soak up the last few weeks of long, summer days, there is lots happening within our entrepreneurial community. From a major funding announcement to a new innovation from an MTEC client, August has been a busy month. Keep scrolling to see what’s been happening at MTEC!
MTEC SmartZone, LSCP, and Headwaters North Awarded $850,000 to Strengthen Small Businesses Across the Upper Peninsula
Big things are ahead for small businesses across the UP! Three UP-based organizations have been awarded $850,000 through MEDC’s SBSH 2.0 Program to strengthen entrepreneurial support across the UP. Learn what this partnership means for entrepreneurs across the region.
What It Takes to Become Investable
14 weeks of programming all comes down to a 5-minute pitch. Go behind the scenes with the CEO of AMMP’s 2026 Most Investable Company, Sergiy Blackwood, and discover what it took to walk away with the win.
MTU Professor Rethinks the Way We Form Groups
MTEC client Shane Oberloier has officially launched a new tool designed to help presenters get more out of group work. Introducing SwiftFlock! SwiftFlock allows facilitators to create customizable surveys based on the needs of a particular group or activity. Rather than randomly assigning participants to a group, SwiftFlock brings people together based on the criteria decided by the instructor. Whether that means pairing people with similar perspectives, or bringing together individuals whose strengths and experiences complement one another, SwiftFlock makes it possible. It was built to encourage stronger discussions, create more well-rounded teams for group projects, and improve the overall interactive learning experience.
Oberloier serves as an assistant teaching professor at MTU and as the Chief Engineering Officer at Keweenaw Ecological Innovations. Learn more about the tool and see how it works here: https://swiftflock.app/.
Hawk Technologies Awarded Maritime Innovation Grant
MTEC client Hawk Technologies was selected as one of five projects in the state to receive funding through Michigan’s Maritime Innovation Grant Program. The award will support Hawk’s Freshwater Operational Requirements to Government-Ready Equipment (FORGE) Program. This program is focused on turning search and rescue needs into a scalable solution. This includes the development of an autonomous cold-water maritime first responder to improve emergency response time on Lake Superior. Read the full press release by clicking on the link below.
FREE AI Training For Local Manufacturing Leaders
Manufacturers located in Gogebic, Iron, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties have a unique opportunity to access cost‑free professional training through support from MTEC. These programs are designed specifically for manufacturing teams looking to improve leadership and become more familiar with AI technologies.
Seats are expected to fill, so early registration is highly encouraged. To register, please contact Cheryl LeClaire and Josh Billington directly.
Plans to Build a New Incubator Space in Downtown Houghton
The City of Houghton recently shared its plans for a new business and creative incubator coming to downtown Houghton. The space is designed to give entrepreneurs, artists, makers, and more a creative businesses a place to grow right in the heart of town. Set to open in 2028, the new space will offer workspace, business coaching, and other additional resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more about the project’s scope here:
