Ann Arbor SPARK Attracts $147 Million In New Investment During 2009

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor SPARK’s economic development efforts to attract and retain businesses in the region, and support jobs creation, generated more than $147

million in new investment commitments and more than 3,200 jobs.

“Despite a challenging economic climate, Ann Arbor SPARK helped

companies create jobs and grow in our region,” said Michael A. Finney, Ann

Arbor SPARK’s CEO. “In 2009, the opening of SPARK East and the Michigan

Life Science and Innovation Center were meaningful expansions to our

business and life science incubator network. Programs like Shifting Gears

filled a void in our region by helping displaced talent, ultimately

retaining key knowledge workers within our community.”

Throughout 2009, Ann Arbor SPARK created economic opportunities in the

region through 34 projects:

11 MEGA state tax credits to companies, including infrared detector

company Dexter Research Center, Inc., IT call and support center,

Systems in Motion and hybrid battery testing developer AVL Powertrain.

Seven companies were attracted to the Ann Arbor area, committing 1,522

jobs and over $37,500,000 in investment.

Total of $147,338,238 in committed capital investments in the Ann Arbor

region.

Ann Arbor SPARK has dedicated resources and continues to focus on job

creation, retention and attraction throughout the region:

34 projects resulting in 2,118 new jobs committed through employers and

the retention of 1,133 jobs.

887 jobs posted through Ann Arbor SPARK by 323 companies.

Over 4,200 job seekers assisted with employment searches.

In 2009, Ann Arbor SPARK’s business attraction, expansion and retention

efforts resulted in 33 businesses choosing to locate and expand in the

region.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s Business Accelerator, which provides business

acceleration funding, business and life science incubators, and

entrepreneurial education and talent services, drove entrepreneurial growth

and success in the region in 2009.

61 companies received business acceleration services, including business

planning, marketing, patent and intellectual property acquisition,

business introductions and funding preparation services.

78 companies were assisted as incubator tenants at Ann Arbor SPARK’s

Central and East locations as well as the Michigan Life Science and

Innovation Center.

28 companies received funding through the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund

and the Michigan Microloan Fund Program, both administered by Ann Arbor

SPARK. The combined total invested through the funds administered by

Ann Arbor SPARK was $3,652,500.

For more information, click on AnnArborUSA.Org

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