GRAND RAPIDS ? A host of entrepreneurial events are on tap in March across Michigan, ranging from business-plan competitions, to small business training programs to video elevator pitch contests. Check it all out in the MIEntrepreneur calendar.
Registration Deadline March 1
FastTrac New Venture. Intensive 10-week program designed to test your business idea, broaden your understanding of business, plan your financial needs to avoid cash flow problems, structure your business operations for efficiency, and develop entrepreneurial skills through a practical, hands-on approach. Participants will work on their own business ideas or ventures throughout the program. Prior to beginning the class, interested students must attend an orientation seminar for the FastTrac NewVenture program. In addition, they must attend a Fundamentals of Starting a Business class that is offered throughout the state at no cost. Details: Wednesday, March 10, 1-6 p.m., (ends May12), MI-SBTDC Region 5 Office, Delta College H Wing, University Center; Class size is limited – register early. Registration deadline is March 1- MISBTDC.Net
Social Venture Fund. Wanted: Entrepreneurs in the process of starting a self-sustaining business geared towards generating positive social returns in Southeast Michigan. The Social Venture Fund (SvF) is a student-run social investment fund at the U-M Ross School of Business supporting early-stage enterprises that create a catalytic effect in developing and/or disrupting existing market dynamics, improve the provision of public goods to those without, channel the power of technology and new business models, and have both financial and social impact growth potential. Submit your business plan to the SvF Social Enterprise for Southeast Michigan (SESEMI). All SESEMI applicants will receive initial feedback from an SvF fellow and possibly advance to receive further due diligence. Entrepreneurs submitting the top three business plans will be invited to an entrepreneurship workshop led by Criterion Ventures and also have an opportunity to pitch their business plans to the SvF Board of Directors. To apply, send your plan to [email protected] by March 1, see website for plan requirements at Zil.Bus.Umich.Edu
Tuesday March 2
ICE: Mid-Michigan Innovation Club for Entrepreneurs. Monthly networking meeting features special guest speakers on topics of interest to entrepreneurs. Details: Tuesday, March 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m., East Lansing Technology Innovation Center (TIC), 325 E. Grand River, Top Floor, just west of Barnes & Noble Bookstore. Public parking is available in the ramp north of Barnes & Noble Bookstore, from Charles Street. Free and open to the public, with refreshments provided. Bring business cards and start-up and concept ideas ? CityOfEastLansing.Com
Deal Incubator. Monthly first-Tuesday meeting featuring free legal and business advice in a casual atmosphere that involves participants in a group discussion with other entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors about ideas, concerns, or unique business obstacles. Walk away with valuable input from lawyers, entrepreneurs, financial experts and others. Learn from peers the solutions to common problems concerning marketing and funding. Helpful feedback from your peers and legal advice from Hertz Schram’s expert team. Details: Tuesday, March 2, 4-6 p.m., Hertz Schram, 1760 South Telegraph Road, Suite 300 Bloomfield Hills – or call 248-335-5000. DealIncubator.Com
Wednesday March 3
Entrepreneur Education 1.0: Executive Summary. Problem, product, market, team, competitors, financials: By describing each element of your business, you will clarify your current position as well as your needs. The resulting executive summary will help you understand your needs and provide a basis for the recruitment of essential team members and resources. Details: Wednesday, March 3, 5-7 p.m., SPARK Central, 330 East Liberty, Lower Level, Ann Arbor – AnnArborUSAEvents.Org
Thursday March 4
Fundamentals of Starting a Business. You have a passion … a hidden talent. Do you know what it takes to turn that skill into a successful business? This seminar is designed for individuals who are considering self-employment, or are at the beginning stages of starting a business. You will be introduced to the key characteristics of successful business ownership, and what it takes to start and run a thriving business. Plus, you will be provided with available resources to help launch new ventures in Michigan. Additional times and locations available. Details: Thursday,March 4, 9-11 a.m., MI-SBTDC Region 6 Office, Kettering University, Campus Center, Flint – MISBTDC.Net
Energy Technology Forum. Everyone is talking about wind right now…big wind, small wind, on-shore, offshore, supply chain, etc. But which areas provide the best opportunities for startups? To learn more about this topic, and to network with others interested in this exciting clean tech space, please join us at the next Energy Technology Forum. The mission of the forum is to facilitate collaboration and networking among practitioners, policy makers, investors and talent. Panelists include: Dan Radomski, Next Energy; Dirck Lyon, Cascade Engineering; Bill Berghoff, Novitas Advisors; and Cliff Williams, Orisol. Details: Thursday, March 4, 5-7 p.m., SPARK Central, 330 East Liberty, Lower Level, Ann Arbor –
GLEQ Business Plan Competition
Register for the statewide business plan competition by this Friday, March 5, at http://www.gleq.org/ and win cash prizes up to $25,000 – or the new $100,000 SmartZone Award. Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to register and begin working with GLEQ business coaches and SmartZone advisors. Business plans and executive summaries are due in late April and early May. Awards will be announced June 10. Register at GLEQ.Org
TechTown First Friday. Great monthly networking event for meeting tech and life science entrepreneurs and getting to know the TechTown community. This month’s meeting is at the new TechTown incubator facility, the former Dalgleish Cadillac building, and features networking opportunities for all attendees. Details: Friday, March 5, 4-6 p.m., TechTwo/Dalgleish Cadillac Building, 6160 Cass Avenue, Detroit – TechTownWSU.Org
Wednesday March 10
BioArbor: Angel Investor Forum. Every entrepreneur needs an angel! BioArbor invites you to join us for an informative session on “What the Angels Seek” in life science startups. These angels do not have wings or carry a magic wand, but they have each made several investments in this region’s life science companies and will share their investment experiences, as well as their views on investment trends in life sciences. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the speakers after the event. Details: Wednesday, March 10, 5-7 p.m., SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor – BioArbor.Com
Wednesday March 17
Springboard Venture Forum. Springboard Enterprises is seeking women entrepreneurs to participate in their All Things Life Sciences 2010 venture forum program, showcasing early and later stage companies in biotech, clean tech, energy, environment, diagnostics, devices and healthcare to potential investors and strategic partners across the co
