MEDC hits the road for biz services forums in April
LANSING — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is sponsoring a series of entrepreneurial services presentations at 15 locations around the state April 16-17 and April 23-25, including the Upper Peninsula.
The presentations are designed to help owners and executives of high growth, early stage technology companies find growth opportunities through the business services and financial support that are available through MEDC-supported business incubators and accelerators around the state.
“No other state does what Michigan does to fund an entire entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovative early stage companies,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “This is a golden opportunity for Michigan’s entrepreneurs to see first-hand the types of services available. These strategic services are vital to accelerating the growth of innovative technology start-ups in Michigan that will diversify our economy and create new wealth in our state.”
Attendees will hear about business and technology assistance, training, financial support and access to talent from the following organizations:
Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Lansing: Access to capital and resources for high growth, early stage technology companies.
Next Energy, Detroit: Serves to accelerate energy security, economic competitiveness and environmental responsibility through the growth of advanced-energy technologies, businesses and industries.
Great Lakes Entrepreneurs Quest (GLEQ), Lansing: Statewide annual business plan competition that provides a network of volunteer coaching, investor talent, and entrepreneurial support programs for early stage companies.
Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, Ann Arbor: An international business plan competition designed to highlight Michigan as a robust and vibrant venue for innovation and business opportunity.
Biotechnology Business Consultants, Ann Arbor: Statewide support for Michigan companies to secure funding through federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.
Michigan Angel Fund, Ann Arbor: Group of angel investors makes investments in emerging technology businesses and returns are shared by the group.
Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, Ann Arbor: Supports high-tech start-up companies as they near commercial viability by providing access to early-stage capital investment or micro loans to accelerate company development.
Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, Grand Rapids: Business Accelerator Fund, a fund that can be accessed by participating business accelerators statewide to provide specialized business acceleration services and resources regardless of their client’s geography.
Michigan Venture Capital Association, Ann Arbor: Entrepreneur-in-Residence and CEO placement programs, to improve talent in entrepreneurial companies; the Michigan Venture Fellows program, to develop talent for Michigan venture capital firms; and the Angel Network Growth program, to strengthen angel investment networks across the state.
The 70-minute presentations will be held at these Upper Michigan locations:
Tuesday, April 24, a session will be held in Sault Ste. Marie at 5:15 p.m. at Lake Superior State University. The meeting will take place in Crow’s Nest in the Walker Cisler Center, Circle Dr.
Wednesday, April 25, the final presentation will be in Houghton at 9:10 AM. It will take place at Michigan Technological University’s ATDC, Sharon Ave.