LANSING ? Registration is open for Michigan Shifting Gears as three new three-month cohorts start on April 15 in Detroit, Kalamazoo and Gaylord.

?Michigan?s small businesses and entrepreneurs are growing and searching for qualified talent to help their companies move in the right direction,? said Michael Finney, President and CEO of the MEDC. ?At the same time, many talented Michiganders are searching for new career opportunities. Michigan Shifting Gears provides participants with strategies for a successful career transition, and growing companies with the skilled workers they need to succeed.?

The program is designed to help experienced professionals, returning veterans, stay-at-home parents and others facing a career crossroads fine-tune their skills to fit the needs of small businesses, entrepreneurial start-ups, and non-profits. Launched in 2009 by Ann Arbor SPARK and Sensei Change Associates, Michigan Shifting Gears is a unique opportunity for seasoned professionals and other transitioning job seekers to learn how to put their talent and experience to work in ?new economy? career opportunities.

Participants in Michigan Shifting Gears receive a professional career assessment and career coaching, attend eight days of workshops, participate in networking events, and take part in a three-day small business simulation. Participants are paired with volunteer mentors from the entrepreneurial community who work one-on-one to review their resumes, provide career advice, and help with their career transition.

Each Michigan Shifting Gears participant also must complete an 80-hour pro bono internship with a small business or non-profit. The internship provides valuable first-hand experience in a small business environment. In turn, Michigan Shifting Gears interns bring valuable skills and business expertise to their host companies.

Prior to registration, interested individuals are required to participate in an informational program overview and Q&A webinar where they will have the opportunity to ask questions about the program. Following completion of the overview, participants will receive a link to register for the program. Anyone interested in attending the Spring 2014 session must complete the informational overview and Q&A session, and register no later than April 4.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Early bird registration ($500) deadline: Midnight, Monday, March 10

Discounted registration ($550) deadline: Midnight, Monday, March 24

Final registration ($575) deadline: Midnight, Friday, April 4 (deadline will NOT be extended)

Payment plans are available. MEDC underwrites the balance of the program cost to help the state retain and retool top talent to meet the needs of Michigan?s small businesses and entrepreneurs.

More information, click on MITalent.Org