Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities 2025

2025 Statewide Conference: Join us in Lapeer! 

Thursday, May 29 - Friday, May 30

Join other like-minded communities at the 2025 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.

A signature element unique to CEC is that all breakout sessions are embedded within community buildings and storefronts in downtown Lapeer. By design, attendees will fully experience downtown Lapeer 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 29 and ends at noon on Friday, May 30 in Lapeer. 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. 

Individual Registrations

• Early registration: $125 (now through March 31)
• Normal registration: $150 (April 1- May 26)
• Late regsitration: $175 (after May 26)

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 Lapeer area for registrants to choose from. Lodging is not included in the registration fee. Lodging options can be found on the CEC website.

Thank you to our generous sponsors! 
Lapeer Development Corporation
ChoiceOne Bank
Lapeer Community Foundation
MEDC
DTE Energy Foundation
ROWE
Comcast
Law Office of Catherine Bostick