Consumers Energy Contributes $25,000 to Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator Supporting Farmers and Entrepreneurs

• Validating concepts;
• Assisting in obtaining patents;
• Developing markets;
• Streamlining regulatory permits;
• Developing financial plans;
• Assembling management teams; and
• Developing supplier sustainability plans.

There is no fee for farmers or entrepreneurs to use the incubator's services if they are selected to be a client. Instead, the incubator shares in a small part of the successful business' sales.

Unlike typical incubators, the Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator does not provide physical building space for its clients. This "garage incubator" model invests almost all resources in staff who help commercialize ag-technology and propel clients through business hurdles. When facilities are needed for clients, the incubator brokers space (office, loading dock, warehouse) on a piecemeal basis from existing landlords in the community.  

"Our board of directors is honored to have Consumers Energy's support in our endeavor to create ag-technology businesses and jobs," said Kurt Brauer, chairman of the Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator.  "Their generous contribution will directly benefit incubator clients by helping to offset the cost of providing business start-up services."

Consumers Energy, Michigan's largest utility, is the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy (CMS), providing natural gas and electricity to 6.6 million of the state's 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, go to www.ConsumersEnergy.com.

Media toolkit

LEARN MORE: Farmers, entrepreneurs, and business owners who have an equipment, machinery, or software product or idea for the ag industry can contact the Great Lakes Ag-Tech Business Incubator:

• 616-738-4852
• agtech@miottawa.org
• www.agtechincubator.com

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