DOE Puts Greater Emphasis on Commercialization of SBIRs
Check this out from DOE Director Manny Oliver. More money for Phase I and II SBIRs and STTRs plus an upfront commitment from applicants that they have a commercialization plan for their technology. Hurray. Since accepting the position as the Director of the SBIR/STTR Programs Office at DOE in December, 2010, I have been pleased to see that there is a very talented community of small businesses that are active in the DOE SBIR and STTR programs... [Read More...]
MI has new Tax Credit for Angels
Heading to the Governor for signature is HB 5921 the Small Business Investment Tax Credit bill. Finally there is a credit Michigan Angels can use. A big SHOUT OUT to Representative Ellen Lipton for proposing this bill and pushing it all the way to the goal line. This legislation may prove to be one of the most important programs that will release the millions of private capital in Michigan that is currently sitting on the sidelines. It also... [Read More...]
Get Face Time with a big Michigan VC
Many entrepreneurs want to get in front of a VC. Well here’s your chance. The folks at Beringea, Michigan’s largest Venture Capital firm, will hold ‘Office Hours’ in 2011 in several communities around the state. Similar to the office hours format used by university professors, these sessions will provide the Michigan entrepreneurial community open access to Beringea venture capitalists for their perspective, feedback... [Read More...]
Smart Grid Companies look at this
4 big venture firms and General Electric are dangling $200 million in seed capital for good ideas and start-ups that will dramatically improve the grid. Check out this article in cnet for more information. GE, VCs offer $200 million in smart grid challenge. Read More →
Angel Tax Credits better than a Capital Gains Tax Cut
There are some politicians who actually get it. I’m not talking about a certain gubenatorial candidate. I’m referring to some state and federal legislators. Here’s the latest example. Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen has joined Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN), Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), and Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO) in introducing the Innovative Technologies... [Read More...]
Sen. Dodd’s bill needs amending
Have you seen or heard about Senator Christopher Dodd’s Financial Reform Bill and the provisions regarding angel funding? There is an excellent article in Business Week about the provision that would increase the requirements of an individual to qualify as an accredited investor. It would take out an estimated 40% of people who qualify today from being able to make a sophisticated investment in a promising new technology-based business. Furthermore... [Read More...]
Angels in the open
Business Week just published a list of the most active and successful angels in the country. Check out this article http://bwnt.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/future_of_tech_2010/ The disappointing part of the list is that all investors, except #25, invest in IT companies only. IT of course covers a lot of industry subsectors like software, mobile apps, gaming, computing, internet, etc. But I didn’t see alternative energy, materials,... [Read More...]
Angel investors needed in Michigan
Check out this article in Metromode. http://www.metromodemedia.com/features/detroitangelinvestors0150.aspx It talks about angel investing and the need for more angels in Michigan. They highlight two important people in this space, Rick Galdi and Terry Cross. Great testimonials from these guys. The reporter did a good job contacting several people involved with the angel community who know the importance of developing a strong angel base... [Read More...]
Michigan Municipal League article about SPARK
In the current issue of the Michigan Municipal League magazine and e-newsletter there is an article about SPARK and our ‘open source economic development’ model. Check it out here. This issue is mostly about entrepreneurism in the state. It’s very encouraging. We’re in good company with communities all around the state. Included in the publication are articles about the new incubator in East Lansing and a new initiative... [Read More...]
Michigan – A great place to live
Anne and I have lived in many states. We are not native to Michigan but spent five years up north in the 80′s. We were awed by the clear fresh water and the variety of trees and wildlife. We agreed we wanted to come back, which we did. One of the other things that impressed us was the diversity of entertainment options, lifestyles, industry and people. Although we had the opportunity to move to silicon valley we opted to stay in the... [Read More...]
