Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

HOUGHTON -- The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Pure Michigan Tour Bus made its final stop in Houghton Wednesday.

Entrepreneurs from around the Copper Country got a chance to learn about the different types of programs the state offers in order to help grow small businesses. 

“We’re expanding a lot of the programs. We’ve found out what we’re very good at in the state and what has been successful, and we’re trying to make sure that as many companies and as many students as possible take advantage of those programs,” said Managing Director of Entrepreneurship from MEDC Paula Sorrell.

With a $100,000 grant from the state, the MTEC SmartZone created 29 companies throughout the area, and many of the entrepreneurs from those companies were able to showcase their work at the event.  

One of the many businesses that has done well is the Old School Baking Company. They have only been around since last December, and after a lot of hard work, they are already trying to keep up with the demand.

“I’m servicing three supermarkets here in the Houghton County area, and recently we just expanded. We’re selling some breads out of some markets down in Crystal Falls out of Iron County,” said head baker Patrick Curtin.

The Old School Baking Company also received the New Business of the Year Award.

"Houghton is a hidden little gem in the state of Michigan, and really, it's partly fueled by Michigan Tech because we have so much diversity that comes to the community through the Michigan Tech campus," said MTEC SmartZone CEO Marilyn Clark.

The overall goal of this project is to take ideas and help them grow into successful businesses.

If you are interested in growing your small business, click here.