Migizi Economic Development Company and CMURC Partner to Grow Native Businesses

July 23, 2026 (Mt Pleasant, MI) - Migizi Economic Development Company, a wholly owned enterprise of The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan, and Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC), an Entrepreneurial Service Organization with regional CoWork business hubs, have joined forces to grow Tribal Member-owned businesses.

The LIFT-ME business incubator program is a culturally responsive, milestone-driven incubator designed for enrolled Members and affiliated entrepreneurs of The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. Both partners bring substantial expertise in helping entrepreneurs create and develop new ventures. Migizi EDC brings the strength and vast resources of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. CMURC, a registered 501(c)(3), focuses on advancing economic development in the Great Lakes Bay Region by leveraging the resources of Central Michigan University, the Mount Pleasant SmartZone, the MEDC Small Business Support Hub, and an impressive network of local, regional, and statewide leaders. These two exceptional partners are focused on incubating Native-owned businesses to enhance the economic conditions of Tribal Members and the larger Great Lakes Bay Region.

The LIFT-ME initiative intends to support Tribal entrepreneurs in stabilizing, growing, and scaling sustainable businesses that retain wealth within the Tribal community. While many Tribal Members aspire to achieve self-sufficiency through business ownership, transforming an idea into a successful enterprise often requires guidance and support. Access to experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals can provide the mentorship, structure, capital, and operational expertise needed to turn a concept into a viable reality. CMURC and Migizi Economic Development Company believe the LIFT-ME program will provide Tribal Members with the platform, resources, and support needed to successfully launch and grow sustainable businesses.

Migizi Economic Development Company Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Felan, stated, “This partnership represents more than a business development initiative—it is an investment in the talent, ingenuity, and future of our Tribal Members. Through the LIFT-ME program, we are creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into thriving enterprises, strengthen economic self-sufficiency, and build generational prosperity for our community. Together with CMURC, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Tribal economy driven by the vision and determination of our people.”

Erin Strang, President + CEO of Central Michigan University Research Corporation, added, “Strong partnerships create stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems, and we're incredibly proud to partner with Migizi Economic Development Company on the LIFT-ME program. By helping level the playing field, increase representation, Foster new networks, and turn up the financials, we're creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs to succeed. We look forward to sharing our experience, opening doors through our network, and supporting participants every step of the way as they build businesses that will benefit their families and communities for generations.”

The LIFT-ME collaboration, harnessing the strength of Migizi Economic Development Company, Tribal Entrepreneurs, and CMURC, will create an exciting new economic engine that powers Tribal sovereignty into the future. Luke Sprague, Chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, states, “The LIFT-ME Tribal Incubator Program represents an investment in the ingenuity, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit of our Tribal Members. Through Migizi Economic Development Company, we are creating opportunities that empower our citizens to transform their ideas into successful businesses, strengthening both our families and our Tribal economy for generations to come. We are proud to partner with the Central Michigan University Research Corporation, whose proven experience helping entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses makes them an ideal collaborator. By combining Migizi's commitment to our people with CMURC's expertise in business development, we are providing Tribal entrepreneurs with the mentorship, education, and resources they need to build lasting success. This partnership reflects our belief that when we invest in our people, we invest in the future of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.”

CMU President Neil MacKinnon, chairperson of the CMURC Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of the partnership. “Entrepreneurship flourishes when communities have access to the right resources, networks, and support,” MacKinnon said. “Through collaboration with Migizi Economic Development Company, CMURC will help create pathways for Tribal entrepreneurs while learning from the unique strengths and perspectives of the Tribal community to support sustainable business growth.”

Interested in joining? Submit your application here: cmurc.com/liftme