The NEI funds supported Maker Faire 2010 to fuel local innovative culture through a 3-day event where local entrepreneurs can showcase their inventions/projects. Grant activities were to focus upon the marketing and leveraging of Maker Faire.

NEI Program Focus:

Entrepreneurial – The fund aims to enhance innovation by increasing the discovery and application of new and existing enterprises. Maker Faire gives local entrepreneurs a venue to exhibit their ideas.

Culture – The fund also strives to change the region's culture by encouraging local entrepreneurs to showcase and launch their business ideas (e.g. bringing new sectors to Southeast, Michigan).

Partner Organizations:

• Ford Automotive
• Institute for the Study of Knowledge Management in Education (ISKME)
• Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
• Singer Corporation
• TechTown