Possibilities for Change Launches Nationwide Survey, Plans to add Jobs.
Possibilities for Change, a company leveraging University of Michigan developed technology, has recently announced the nationwide launch of a simple, 21-question survey designed to save young lives. It’s results alert school counselors, medical practitioners and social workers to risky behavior, paving the way to conversations that change how adolescents act. The company also plans to add 20 mostly white-collar jobs within 5 years. Possibilities... [Read More...]
Former Pre-Seed Funding Company Receives Venture Capitol Investment
Tangent Medical Technologies, a recipient of Pre-Seed Capital Funding in 2010 through Ann Arbor SPARK, has recently secured 4.5 million in venture capital to bring their product to market. This funding will accelerate the commercialization of Tangent’s medical device, the NovaCath™, which is designed to replace the intravenous drug systems that are currently used in hospitals. Tangent’s history with SPARK dates back to 2009, when they participated... [Read More...]
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...]
Michigan’s Getting It Right
“Simply put, Job One is jobs,” said Governor Rick Snyder tonight at his State of the State address. What a refreshing voice for the people of Michigan! Open Source Economic Development ® Michigan Dashboard Metrics-real results for real people Economic growth Health & Education Value for Government Quality of Life Public Safety Pure Michigan Talent, entrepreneurs, employers, universities, funding, incubators = JOBS. 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 →
Now Accepting Applications for Entrepreneur Boot Camp
We’re now accepting applications for fall Entrepreneur Boot Camp. This 18th installment of the popular program will be held November 4-5, 2010 at Kensington Court in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor SPARK’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp is a biannual event that offers two days of business planning and preparation designed to help early stage technology businesses increase their chances for attracting additional funding, finding resources and achieving success.... [Read More...]
Join us for our new series: Business Law & Order
On September 20, we’re kicking off our newest series in our Entrepreneur Education & Training Resources: Business Law and Order. The nine-session series will give entrepreneurs insight into important legal issues surrounding company formation and growth. Topics planned for Business Law & Order include: Business structure Intellectual property Doing business overseas. Compensating founders Hiring employees versus contractors Understanding... [Read More...]
4th Shifting Gears Program Beginning Soon!
Applications for the 4th Shifting Gears Program are due on September 3rd. Shifting Gears is a 5 month intensive program with 3 phases that help to transition experienced worker’s skills to a small business environment. The purpose of “Shifting Gears” is to increase the success of individuals who want to leverage their career experiences and education to help small businesses grow. Check out SPARK’s first Social Media Press Release... [Read More...]
Mobile Sign Language Wins EIC Pitch Competion
Mobile Sign Language Systems CEO, Jason Gilbert took home the prize at the Eastside Innovation Campus Business Pitch Competition on June 4th. Mobile Sign Language Systems has developed smartphone software that translates spoken English into a video of sign language in real time. The software is designed to help deaf people, who often struggle to communicate with their counterparts in the hearing world, most of whom do not know sign language. Jason... [Read More...]
NextCAT Announced as “Best of Boot Camp” Winner
On May 26th, it was time to celebrate the end of the 17th Entrepreneur Boot Camp. All participants gave their investor pitches and enjoyed a nice reception. NextCAT received the “Best of Boot Camp” award. The award was based on the quality of the investor pitch and on the business plan. NextCAT is based in Detroit and creates heterogeneous catalysts to allow producers of biodiesel to use less expensive raw materials and simplify the production... [Read More...]
