Buycentives, CIMple Integrations and Local Orbit Awarded Microloans

Three Michigan companies recently received a combined total of $95,000 through the Michigan Microloan Fund Program.  Buycentives, CIMple Integrations, and Local Orbit received the funding to support commercialization of their core products. Microloans available through the Michigan Microloan Fund Program range from $10,000 to $50,000.  To qualify, companies must be a small business located in Michigan, have ownership or license to innovative technology,... [Read More...]

Ann Arbor SPARK Assists Applicants with Recovery Zone Bonds

Ann Arbor SPARK is assisting applicants with funding available through Recovery Zone Economic Development and Facility Bonds.  Appropriated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Recovery Zone Bonds provide reduced rate financing and stimulate economic growth in Recovery Zones. In Washtenaw County, over $33 million is available through the Recovery Zone Facility Bonds program.  An additional $17 million is available in the City... [Read More...]

Four Michigan Companies Receive Combined Total of $170,000

Four companies recently received a combined total of $170,000 in funding from the Michigan Microloan Fund Program.  CTC Holdings, Energy Management Devices, MemCatch and Motor City Wipers will use the microloan funding to commercialize their products and accelerate business growth. Read more…  Read More →

RealKidz Awarded Eastern Washtenaw Microloan Funding

RealKidz, a clothing company aimed at above-average and average-sized girls, was recently awarded a loan from the Eastern Washtenaw Microloan Fund, a funding opportunity for start-ups that’s part of the Michigan Microloan Fund Program.  RealKidz will use the funding to expand its commercialization efforts through an online social network for families to help them support their daughters and make healthy lifestyle choices. Read more…  Read More →

Four Michigan Companies Receive $125,000 from Ann Arbor SPARK’s Microloan Program

Four more companies have received funding from the Michigan Microloan Fund Program, administered by Ann Arbor SPARK. Allinnova, Procuit, Solarflex, and The Whole Brain Group will use the funding to commercialize their products. The Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, the Ann Arbor Local Development Financing Authority and Washtenaw County support the Michigan Microloan Fund Program. Read more…  Read More →

New Entrepreneur Education Series Launched

Ann Arbor SPARK launches new entrepreneur education series. Entrepreneur 1.0 Funding and Entrepreneur 2.0 Management Team.  Additional programs will feature HR and business formation topics.  Read More →

MI Pre-Seed Capital Fund update

New investments made since June, 2007 There was not a slow down in deal flow for the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund during the summer and it continues through the fall. Since our last post we have made investments in these companies… Phrixus Pharmaceuticals – Ann Arbor Avidimer Therapeutics – Ann Arbor Compendia Bioscience – Ann Arbor Accord Biomaterial – Ann Arbor Hybra-Drive Systems – Deerfield RazorThreat –... [Read More...]

Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund Presentation

Over 100 people, representing early stage start-up companies, attended the SPARK sponsored presentation on available capital for early stage companies.  The program was intended to offer entrepreneurs and their advisors the opportunity to hear about several ‘pre-seed’ type funding sources available to them. Making presentations were Tom Anderson with Automation Alley, Jim Croce from Next Energy, Gregg Hammerman representing the Frankel... [Read More...]