SmartZone LDFA Second Quarter Partnership Report

Published on May 12, 2022

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Grand Rapids, Mich.- May 12, 2022- Spartan Innovations and partner, Start Garden reported at the SmartZone LDFA board meeting yesterday that there has been significant economic growth in high tech/ high growth companies across the region. 

The second quarter of their collaboration has resulted in the creation of 8 new companies, raised over $35 million in funding, and supported the growth and expansion of 113 companies while serving 137 companies across the state. Also, 50% of companies receiving entrepreneurial support services were from underrepresented populations.

“The SmartZone LDFA is proud of the partnership results to date,” said Jeremiah Gracia, Director of Economic Development for the City of Grand Rapids. “Together, Spartan Innovations and Start Garden are building a strong ecosystem for high-tech entrepreneurial services available in the City of Grand Rapids. We look forward to building on this momentum and serving as a benchmark community in equitable high-tech entrepreneurial development.”

Read the full press release from Spartan Innovations here.

Download the full report from Spartan Innovations and Start Garden here(PDF, 2MB).