Your One-Stop Source for New Product Development and Small Business Support!

SSMart Mission

SSMart People

SSMartSM staff members are there to guide you through the product development process. They’ll be able to connect you with people who can answer your questions on the technical aspects of prototyping, production, marketing, business plan  development, financing, human resource, and the many other important topics in commercialization of products.

SSMart Advantage

By using the SmartZone, you’ll have access to several unique resources as you move your idea from inception to realization and on towards commercialization. You’ll have the advantages of:

• collaborations with city, state, and regional economic development agencies;
• access to the LSSU Product Development Center for timely and economical new product development;
• low cost engineering, science, and business planning service;
• state of the art manufacturing facilities;
• office space and meeting rooms;
• a regional work force with a strong work ethic;
• local leaders supportive of new business development; and
• local lenders investing in the future of the region.

SSMart Collaborations

SSMart Collaborations
Noted below are several of the unique resources in the SmartZone network to advance your ideas from inception to realization to commercialization.  The LSSU Product Development Center (PDC) provides economical engineering resources to entrepreneurs and businesses to bring ideas to reality. A wide range of specialized equipment, software, and engineering experience makes the PDC the best place to start when developing a new product or process. The PDC has worked on a variety of projects in the areas of medical, dental, sports, process control monitoring, veterinary, assembly automation, and others. Visit www.lssu.edu/pdc for more information.

When you’re ready to take that final step, the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (EDC) can help you find the right location for your first home in the Soo Industrial Incubator. As you grow, the EDC can help with your permanent location in one of the City’s two industrial parks, help with arranging access to State and Federal labor training programs, provide access to the Sault Foreign Trade Zone #16, and help with various financing and infrastructure programs. For more information, view www.saultedc.com.

Whether it’s an expansion, a relocation, or even a concern with another agency of state government, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) can help. From site location assistance to job training grants, from help with permits to tax abatements, the MEDC is the state’s official economic develoment corporation - a one-stop resource for businesses seeking to grow in Michigan. They can be found at: www.michiganadvantage.org. 

The Product Development Center and SmartZone personnel work very closely with Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Centers (MI-SBTDC). The MI-SBTDC enhances Michigan’s economic wellbeing by providing counseling, training, research, and advocacy for new ventures, existing small businesses and innovative technology companies, creating new jobs, retaining existing jobs, and assisting companies to define their paths to success. Visit them at: www.misbtdc.org

The SmartZoneSM Breeder facility will allow you to review assembly options and start small scale production of your prroduct. Questions about material selection, production rates, manual versus automated practices, financing, and general commercialization will be answered as you move one step closer to selling your product. We have the resources to get you started. The Breeder Facility provides economical office space, meeting rooms, manufacturing equipment, software, and other necessary resources for getting started in business. The real benefit is that you won’t need to purchase a lot of expensive equipment or software in this early stage of development. Find out more at: www.ssmartzone.com

SSMart Resources

Whether this is your first business venture or you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or businessperson, SSMartSM can help move your product from the inception stage to commercialization. Our skilled staff and network of professionals are very knowledgeable in the areas of prototyping, testing, material selection, manufacturing, and all areas of business development. Funding for your product development efforts can come from a multitude of resources beyond equity investors, to include your local community bank (commercial bank or credit union). Commercial lenders may include the U.S. Small Business Administration, USDA Business Loan Program, Michigan Certified Development Corporation, or related entities that specialize in business credit, new startups, or subordinate debt positions and guaranties. Personal introduction to local lenders is part of our business services. Typical  resources available to our clients are:

• Product Prototyping
• Product/Process Testing
• Mechanical Engineering Design
• Electrical Engineering Design
• Electronic Systems Development
• Robotics and Automation
• Office Space (phone, fax, etc.)
• Business Plan Development Assistance
• Marketing Assistance
• Preliminary Patent Review/Searches
• Computer Programming
• Website Development
• Access to Manufacturing Systems
• Access to Faculty, Staff and Students