Annual state entrepreneurship conference continues to showcase small town charm and success in Cadillac
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EmailThe Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference returned in 2024 hosted by the City of Cadillac, welcoming more than 100 participants from across Michigan.
A cross-disciplinary team of Michigan State University Extension educators conducted the annual state-wide Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference in Cadillac, Michigan between May 30-31, 2024. The MSU Extension CEC team partnered with the Cadillac Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Cadillac, the Cadillac Chamber of Commerce, and the Wexford County Alliance for Economic Success. We had 111 in attendance from 31 different Michigan communities and two attendees from out of state. In addition to two opening keynotes on Day 1 and a closing keynote panel on Day 2, there were 24 breakout sessions held in various locations throughout Cadillac’s historic downtown.
Keeping with the traditional CEC theme, breakout sessions were on various topics designed to educate communities about tools and resources they could apply in their communities to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and rural economic development initiatives. Presenters included MSU Extension educators along with representatives from organizations such as the Big Rapids Farmer’s Market, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Cadillac Area Community Foundation, The Right Place, Automation Alley, MI ArtShare, and multiple Chambers of Commerce across Michigan.
Outreach to community organizations for partnerships, sponsorship and programing is an important part of the CEC approach. Sponsorship dollars for this year’s conference were generated from Baker College, Cadillac Area Community Foundation, Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, Michigan Works/Networks Northwest, GQT Theatre, and Venture North.
Sectors represented at CEC 2024 included:
- Art: 6%
- Agriculture: 3%
- Business: 19%
- Economic Development (includes Chambers and Financial professionals): 30%
- Education: 13%
- Government: 11%
- Nonprofit: 15%
- Tourism: 2%
Evaluation results confirmed the value of the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference. Of the 111 participants, 30 took MSU Extension’s CEC survey. Of the 30 evaluation respondents:
- 100% agreed that the conference was a good value
- 100% agreed educational sessions were engaging
- 100% agreed they had increased knowledge of entrepreneurial ecosystems
- 100% agreed that educational content was replicable in their community
- 100% agreed that new connections at CEC can help them bring practices to their community
Qualitative responses garnered from conference surveys demonstrated the significance CEC still carries to this day. Responses below are direct quotes.
- “This was a great way for me to learn about Cadillac and its workforce”.
- “I loved the walk tour and sessions. It was a great way to get to know the community.”
When asked, “Which of the following do you plan to do as a result of your participation in this program?”, respondents selected from the following options:
- 12.5%: Apply talent attraction and retention strategies toward community and economic projects
- 15.63%: Make use of new and/or existing regional and community assets
- 12.5%: Integrate tourism into community economic development strategy
- 16.67%: Make decisions to holistically support entrepreneurs
- 13.54%: Apply knowledge on agriculture, arts and/or cultural development toward economic development
- 9.38%: Provide youth entrepreneurship programming and resources
- 19.79%: Seek out more knowledge on economic and workforce trends
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities: 2025
MSU Extension is thrilled to announce the City of Lapeer will be hosting the 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference from May 29-30, 2025.
