Entrepreneur Like Me Fund to Drive Innovation, Job Creation, and Community Impact

CMURC to Match Donations This Giving Tuesday to Support Business Growth in the Region 

Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC) is proud to announce the launch of the Entrepreneur Like Me Endowment Fund, an initiative designed to fuel innovation, create jobs, and strengthen communities across the Great Lakes Bay Region. The fund will serve as a vital resource for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, providing the mentorship, funding, and support services necessary to build sustainable businesses and foster economic growth. 

More than a tool for entrepreneurial success, the Entrepreneur Like Me Fund acts as a catalyst for widespread community impact. By helping entrepreneurs grow and thrive, the fund contributes to local job creation, supports fair wages, and drives regional economic vitality. Thriving businesses create opportunities not only for their founders but for workers, suppliers, and partners, generating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual. 

“This fund is designed to nurture innovation, drive growth, and build strong, resilient businesses that support our communities,” said Erin Strang, President and CEO of CMURC. “By empowering entrepreneurs, we’re investing in a stronger, more resilient future that benefits everyone, creating opportunities and fostering a thriving local economy.” 

In partnership with the Bay Area Community Foundation, Saginaw Community Foundation, Midland Area Community Foundation, and Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation, CMURC is matching all donations 1:1, up to $5,000 per community. This matching initiative provides an opportunity for residents and local businesses to double their impact, ensuring that their contributions help create a lasting legacy of support for local entrepreneurs. 

By championing the growth of small businesses, the Entrepreneur Like Me Fund becomes a long-term driver of positive social change. It not only empowers entrepreneurs but also helps build vibrant, thriving communities equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. 

To make a donation or learn more about the Entrepreneur Like Me Fund, visit cmurc.com/elmfund and be part of building a brighter future for local entrepreneurs in the Great Lakes Bay Region.