Metro area community colleges have been remarkably adept at meeting the needs of Michigan's developing knowledge-based economy. From green building to biotechnology to the state's burgeoning film industry, these formerly belittled schools are delivering a timely education at an affordable price. And given their growing enrollment numbers, students are catching on.

Michigan is an up coming leader in bio sciences. That’s the conclusion from a 2 day conference sponsored by the MEDC. The state has the major research universities plus a skilled workforce. It just needs venture capital. Chris McCarus went to the Novi event and spoke with Ann Arbor entrepreneur Rich Farkas.

Pfizer walks out the door and opportunity comes in through the window. Ann Arbor takes inspiration from another Michigan community's post-Pfizer successes and seeds the ground with start ups, SPARK and state support.

Lisa Kurek can show you the money. As the Managing Partner of Biotechnology Business Consultants she has brought in more than $40 million in grant funding for Michigan companies. Lisa will be writing about the impact of grant funding on the state's economy and offer tips for small businesses interested in pursuing funding.

Mike is president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. A passionate advocate for the transformation of Michigan's high-tech economy he also managed the MEDC’s $1 billion Michigan Life Sciences Corridor initiative between 2000 and 2002. Mike will be wriing about who's making a difference in the Michigan and why.