|
|
Established in 1999, Southwest Michigan First provides access to the knowledge, resources, programs and services necessary to build a business in the Kalamazoo Region. As part of Southwest Michigan First, the Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund (SWMF Life Science Fund) is a limited partnership venture fund interested in the Midwest region's early stage life science opportunities that have demonstrably viable technologies. The $65 million fund invests primarily in early stage life science companies with a presence, or committed to establishing a presence, in southwestern Michigan. The fund's primary goal is to spur economic development and retain intellectual capital within the region. In addition to SWMF Life Science Fund, additional sources of capital include First Angels and Kalamazoo Bank Consortium for Innovation. The First Angels is a network formed to make financial and intellectual capital available for early stage and growing entrepreneurial companies in West Michigan, primarily the Kalamazoo Region. Minimum investments range from $10,000-$25,000 per deal, based on the type of investment. The Kalamazoo Bank Consortium for Innovation provides expertise and mentoring support to companies and introduces traditional bank clients to the resources necessary for successful development. Another resource, the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, is a 69,000 square-foot business incubator/accelerator which provides a comprehensive range of support and assistance to nurture the formation, survival, and growth of innovative, entrepreneurial, life science businesses. The Innovation Center opened its doors in 2003. Amenities of the Innovation Center include state of the art wet lab space, newly constructed executive office space, a subsidized, progressive rental structure, and business services.
|
