Michigan Business Network

Chris Holman welcomes Paula Macpherson, Executive Director, Velocity, Macomb County, MI. There were several things Chris wanted to find out from Paula in this conversation: 1.Velocity has been a driving force in supporting startups in Macomb County for over 11 years. Can you share some of the key challenges and opportunities you've seen in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem in this region? 2. You’ve had impressive success in helping businesses grow, such as helping start 31 new companies and attracting $19.2M in investments last year. What do you believe sets Velocity apart from other incubators and accelerators in Michigan? 3. You offer essential services like grant support and entrepreneur guidance. What is the most common type of support that startups seek when they first come to Velocity, and how do you tailor your approach to meet their needs? 4. As one of Michigan’s 21 MEDC SmartZones, how does Velocity contribute to the broader economic development goals of the state, and what role do you envision