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See a list of top-performing cities, as identified by UM-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research >
East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Jonesville, Livonia, Meridian Township, Tecumseh and Wixom have been identified as the top-performing communities at fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic development in a study by researchers at the UM-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research (iLabs).
In addition to performing well in the numerical portions of eCities 2010, the seven top-performing communities are recognized for innovative collaborations and programs that aid entrepreneurial growth. These communities demonstrate that they understand what small businesses need to be successful by communicating with them and providing connections to broader resources and insight on trends.
In addition, 48 other communities across the state that performed well in eCities 2010 have been identified as five- and four-star communities.
The eCities research surveyed more than 100 communities in the state of Michigan who are home to 128,242 entrepreneurs who earned $3.4 billion in annual income. These communities also had $1.2 billion in commercial development last year and account for nearly half the state’s commercial property.
“We are pleased to have participation from so many communities throughout the state in eCities 2010,” says Tim Davis, director of iLabs. “The focus of this project is assisting local communities by identifying best practices and methods that they can implement which will aid with job growth strategies, economic diversification and development of entrepreneurs.”
The communities were honored Oct. 19 at a ceremony at UM-Dearborn with Rob Fowler, president and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan, providing the keynote address at the event.
The annual eCities research project, which began in 2007, uses data supplied by the participants as well as other public records to assemble a six-factor, 30-item index to encourage entrepreneurial activity, looking at such factors as clustering, incentives, growth, policies, community and education. The study focuses on entrepreneurship because of its importance to expansion and diversification of Michigan’s regional economies and the impact small businesses have on job creation.
