LANSING – State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren) today announced a plan to stimulate Michigan's economy by offering powerful new tools and incentives to residents willing to start their own businesses and become job providers in the 21st century global economy.
"In times like these we need to diversify and revitalize our economy," Switalski said. "This plan will help do that, one new business at a time. By providing this opportunity for our residents, we are investing in our workers and in our economy."
Switalski's plan will create the Entrepreneurship Education Act, which establishes an education reimbursement program for students enrolled in entrepreneurial educational courses or training programs. To qualify for reimbursement under this plan, a student who is enrolled in courses in entrepreneurship must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be unemployed; employed but have received a notice of termination or layoff; or have an annual family income of $40,000 or less.
- Not have graduated from high school within the preceding 2 years.
- Not be enrolled as a full-time college student.
Under the plan, students who complete a multipart course, degree, or certificate program in entrepreneurship will be able to submit a certificate of completion to the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth (DELEG). The state will then reimburse the student for the cost of the course, up to $300. Students may only apply for the reimbursement once.
"Many Michigan workers have lost their jobs, but that doesn't mean they've lost their skills," Switalski said. "Our residents are in a unique position to use those skills by taking advantage of these entrepreneurial education opportunities and starting their own business. Programs such as this are essentialto rebuilding our economy and getting our workers back on the job."