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The Hatch is designed as a coworking space for area college students, which are prospective, creative, and innovative entrepreneurs ready to develop their business ideas. Hatch members share a common workspace on the third floor of 325 E. Grand River Avenue, each working on their own project, but collaborating to increase the probability of each venture’s success.
The program takes advantage of the resources and services provided by Spartan Innovations, including access to capital investment, conference rooms, office equipment, and business development support, free wi-fi, coffee and provides a the freedom and creativity to work at their own convenience. This setting enables a social work environment, an exciting alternative to the tenants’ basement, library, café shop, or kitchen. The Hatch is an attractive place for connecting, collaborating, and spontaneous creation of marketable business ideas, facilitating a community of like-minded student entrepreneurs
The mission of the Hatch Program is to generate and advance the culture of entrepreneurship in the community and to expand the knowledge-based economy in the market, focusing on student entrepreneurs.
Located on the third floor of 325 E. Grand River Avenue, Suite 345, in the MSU Innovation Center, the space features 2,500 square feet of creative and open office space in a studio setting. The Hatch is located in the heart of downtown, across from the Michigan State Campus, and in walking distance to many restaurants, shops, bookstores, and parking.
Members of the Hatch will have access to the facility 24/7.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Forest Akers & Gerstacker Grants
Funding is available for undergrad Hatch students who reach certain milestones within the Hatch program. The Forest Akers and Gerstacker Endowment Grants are specifically designed for undergrad MSU students.
Purpose:
Funds are to be used for marketing materials, equipment, licenses, competition fees and general business purposes, upon approval by Spartan Innovations.
Requirements:
Certain milestones must be achieved prior to receiving funding. Amount of funding disbursement is at the discretion of Spartan Innovations.
Eligibility:
Must be an MSU undergrad student.
For more information contact Lori Fischer at lfischer@spartaninnovations.org.
Business Accelerator Fund
This program provides access to the Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) and provides capital to established business accelerators in Michigan. The business accelerator program provides specialized services to early stage companies commercializing advanced technology that falls within one or more of the 21st century Jobs Fund competitive edge technology sectors.
Services:
BAF funds are used to provide companies with high value services to 1) accelerate growth 2) achieve a greater market position 3) assist secondary business operations. Typical high value services include marketing, web development (for non-web companies), and consulting.
Requirements:
For more information on BAF funding and what it may be used for, please visit http://www.purelansing.com.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for BAF funds, the business must demonstrate a legitimate need for high value services. Please contact Tonny Willis at tony@purelansing.com.
MSUFCU Startup Loan
The startUP Loan* is for entrepreneurs looking to start their business in the tri-county area: Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton County. Whether you’re looking for financing to purchase equipment or space for your business, the startUP loan can help you jump-start your new idea.
Services:
Low-rate with credit limits up to $15,000
Terms as long as 36 months
Requirements:
Plans to locate in Ingham, Eaton, or Clinton County
Completion of loan application and business plan
Eligibility:
The startUP loan is only available to new businesses established in the previous two years in the tri-county area: Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton County.
Visit www.msufcu.org/business.