DETROIT ? Great Lakes Entrepreneur’s Quest continues to sign partnerships with some of Michigan’s top entrepreneurial-focused organizations, including the latest with NextEnergy. And like the previous deals with Automation Alley and Southwest Michigan First, this partnership also includes a five-figure award.
NextEnergy’s wrinkle is an award of $12,500 for alternative energy entrepreneurs. The award will be given to the team whose plan best contributes to the field of alternative energy technology as determined by NextEnergy and the GLEQ judges. The winning entry will be chosen on the basis of innovation and likeliness to succeed in the marketplace.
?The GLEQ?s ability to provide statewide technology networking and assistance to fledgling companies and innovators supports our goal to foster growth within the alternative energy technology sector in Michigan,? said Jim Croce, chief executive officer, NextEnergy. ?NextEnergy is committed to the commercialization of alternative energy solutions and the GLEQ business plan competition is a great way to bring more ideas into play.?
The annualized $12,500 NextEnergy Innovation Award will take the form of a cash grant, bridge or convertible loan. It will be awarded each spring at the GLEQ awards ceremony and is in addition to any other prizes won in the statewide competition. NextEnergy will also work with the GLEQ to actively engage local corporations in providing post-competition sponsorship assistance and support to all of the top alternative energy teams? commercialization efforts.
?NextEnergy?s support is critical to this emerging technology and solidifies our ability to reward and connect early-stage entrepreneurs to alternative energy experts and resources throughout Michigan,? said GLEQ Director Art DeMonte.
The deadline for submissions for the spring 2006 cycle of the GLEQ?s business plan competition has passed but those interested in registering for training classes or learning more about the competition?s eligibility requirements can find out more by clicking on GLEQ.Org
