ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor SPARK will be hosting six educational, entrepreneurial and talent networking events in March ranging in topics from marketing and social networking to talent matching and business planning for start-ups. All events except Hot Shots will be held at SPARK Central.

March 5 – Spring Training for Start-Ups: Business Planning for Start-Ups

In this hands-on workshop, Mark Lundquist, founder, president & CEO, Fulcrum Edge, will take you through a well-crafted process and detailed outline tailored to your own business. The outcome of your efforts will be a structured plan that guides your company?s growth and communicates its story to your intended audiences. Registration for the workshop is at 5 p.m. and the program will begin promptly at 5:15 p.m. It is limited to 25 attendees and costs $10.

March 6 – Mix & Mingle Expert Network

This event is for those looking to meet key experts that specialize in helping small businesses and making connections with entrepreneurs. If you would like to submit a business solution to be considered for a pitch, please send a one paragraph description and a flyer to [email protected]. The event is from 5-7 p.m. There is no cost to attend.

March 11 – Marketing Roundtable: Social Networking from Ann Arbor, East Lansing and Detroit

Business owners, marketing managers and staff, brand managers and entrepreneurs can join the area?s top marketing professionals as they discuss how using online social networks can help you build buzz for your products or services and develop profitable customer relationships. The moderator is Derek Mehraban, CEO, Ingenex Digital Marketing. Panelists include Terry Bean, Networked Inc.; Lori Laurent Smith, Campbell Ewald and Edward Vielmetti, Pure Visibility. Registration and networking is from 5-5:40 p.m. and the program is from 5:40-7 p.m. There is no cost to attend.

March 12 – BioArbor: Raising Awareness for Your Company

In collaboration with MichBio, BioArbor hosts educational networking events for the life sciences industry in the greater Ann Arbor area. Bill Berry, Berry & Co. Public Relations, N.Y. will provide insights to help life science companies understand the benefits of PR and how to set up and manage an effective communications strategy. Networking begins at 5 p.m. and the program begins at 6 p.m. There is no cost to attend.

March 18 – Spring Training for Start-Ups: Building Character into Your Start-Up

This workshop will focus on what counts in building a successful company-character. As a start-up, early actions have a lasting impact on character; this workshop shows you how to make those early first steps with confidence. Registration for the workshop is at 5 p.m. and the program will begin promptly at 5:15 p.m. It is limited to 25 attendees and costs $10.

March 26 – Hot Shots: Career Connections at Vinology

In collaboration with Chambers of Commerce of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University, The University of Michigan, Washtenaw Community College and Washtenaw County’s Department of Employment Training and Community Services, this event is for talent seeking opportunities for themselves. Talent seekers can mingle with growing, innovative companies in a fun and relaxed environment. If you would like your company to participate, contact Amy Cell. The event is from 5-7 p.m. and there is no cost to attend. Note that this event takes place at Vinology Wine Bar, 110 South Main Street in Ann Arbor.

Registration is available online AnnArborUSA.Org

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