Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities 2026
2026 Statewide Conference: Join us in Newaygo County!
Thursday, May 28 - Friday, May 29
Join other like-minded communities at the 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference. CEC is a one-of-a-kind conference designed to share ideas, learn about helpful resources, and empower each other to support local entrepreneurs and a community’s entrepreneurial thinking. And this year CEC will innovate once again as two Newaygo County communities, Fremont and Newaygo, partner to host!
A signature element unique to CEC is that all breakout sessions are embedded within community buildings and storefronts in downtown! Attendees will fully experience downtown Fremont and Newaygo and have plenty of time to network, walk, and patronize local businesses between sessions. Participants will also learn best practices from state and local entrepreneurial professionals.
The CEC conference starts at noon, Thursday, May 28 and ends at noon on Friday, May 29. The registration fee includes two lunches, the Thursday evening networking event, two local entrepreneur keynotes, and numerous breakout sessions to choose from. Each attendee will be able to attend five sessions. Registrants must reserve and pay for their own accommodations. Click here for area lodging information!
Individual Registrations
- Early registration: $125 (now through April 10)
- Normal registration: $150 (April 11- May 29)
GROUP registrations are not possible. However, GROUP PAYMENTS from communities and organizations are possible as long as they include the list of participants names with their payment.
Cancellations received after May 15 will incur a $35 cancellation fee for all registrations.
Accommodations: There are several hotels and other accommodations in the area for registrants to choose from. Lodging is not included in the registration fee.
Click here for area lodging information!
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Consumers Energy
Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership
City of Newaygo
Fremont Area Community Foundation
ITC
River Country Chamber
City of Fremont
CBD Store of Michigan
Muskegon River Inn
Registration for CEC 2026 is open.
Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on May 29, 2026.
There are 200 openings available.
Accommodations
Michigan State University Extension programs, services events, and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, or veteran status. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.
Contact Information
For questions about registration or coupon codes, please contact Will Cronin at croninwi@msu.edu.