The Ferris Wheel awarded for growing Flint entrepreneurship

FLINT, Michigan—With just two years under its belt, the Ferris Wheel, downtown’s innovation hub, has been awarded the Michigan Venture Capital Association’s Annual Community Impact Award.

 

Heather Kale, general manager of the Ferris Wheel, and David Ollila, co-founder of 100k Ideas, were on hand to accept the award on behalf of the Ferris Wheel at the Michigan Venture Capital Association’s Annual Awards Dinner on Nov. 12.

 

“We believe this is the way to rebuild the middle class,” said Kale. “Everyone has an idea. By empowering people to pursue their own ideas, we can build the future together. That’s what we’ve done here. The inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs in Flint are proving what people can build with the right support.”

 

Businesses that find a home at the Ferris Wheel find a plethora of perks that come along with it including access to FlintPrints, Foster Coffee, and coworking spaces, not to mention the nonprofit 100K Ideas. Anyone doing a quick stroll can bear witness to pop-up shops, community meetings, fashion shows, visits by congressional leaders and presidential candidates, panels, and more.

 

“The Ferris Wheel is a resource for the community. We want to be a one-stop shop in finding solutions. The answer may not be in our building but you can count on us to help make connections to outside resources,” said Kale. “Overall, our success is really a testament to the community of Flint. It’s inspiring to see people support, collaborate, and grow together. We’re proud to help make that happen.”