Lapeer to host state-wide MSU Extension conference focused on supporting entrepreneurs
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EmailMSU Extension will bring communities together to share best practices for entrepreneurial support on May 29-30, 2025.
Lapeer, Michigan will serve as the host community for the 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference through Michigan State University Extension, held May 29-30.
The CEC program was created by MSU Extension in 2007 as a way to increase local community knowledge and support for entrepreneurship growth throughout Michigan.
“We understood that to have maximum long-term impact on the Michigan economy, we needed to help communities embrace entrepreneurs,” said Dave Ivan, director of MSU Extension’s community, food, and environment programming, including the CEC Conference.
“We formed a ‘CEC Team’ made up of MSU Extension educators with business, community and entrepreneurship expertise and they created the award-winning CEC program and conference,” Ivan continued.
This state-wide conference moves around the state annually to allow participants to experience a new community, network with colleagues, and share ideas and resources. This year, the conference will take place May 29-30, 2025.
CEC has a unique approach that embeds the conference in the local community. Twenty-two breakout sessions are held right in local businesses led by experienced entrepreneurs or leaders working in economic and community development. This allows participants to learn and, more importantly, see, feel, and taste what works in communities of many different sizes. Visit canr.msu.edu/cec for more information about the program in Lapeer this year.
The City of Lapeer provides a unique community experience for locals and visitors alike. With a population of approximately 9,000, Lapeer provides many characteristics of a mid-sized city while maintaining the close-knit, small-town vibe that has been the fabric of the city for over 150 years. Lapeer has a nice blend of chain stores and locally owned “mom and pop” businesses that serve your every need, from shopping and food to entertainment and community wellness services.
Since its implementation, the CEC Conference has grown and regularly attracts over 100 people from communities across Michigan. Attendees represent a wide variety of roles, including leaders, stakeholders, decision makers, entrepreneurs, government officials, educators, and businesses.
The program has gained national attention and there are now five other states that have or are in the process of adopting this model, many of which typically represent these other states at our conference. We hope to see you in Lapeer!
