The Michigan Daily Covers Entrepreneurs and Incubators
Ann Arbor, Venture Capital is the headline of a great article written by Addie Shrodes of The Michigan Daily. The article covers entrepreneurialism in Ann Arbor and includes information about SPARK and the work we do assisting start-ups as well as on the student incubator, TechArb. Read the article. Read More →
AnnArbor.com and Concentrate Feature Local Serial Entrepreneurs
AnnArbor.com and Concentrate cover some local serial entrepreneurs. Click the links below to read their stories. From AnnArbor.com: Dual entrepreneurs reflect next stage of Ann Arbor’s startup community From Concentrate: Ann Arbor’s entrepreneurs multi-task with a variety of start-ups Read More →
SPARK Central Incubator Profile: Mobatech
SPARK Central incubator client, Mobatech, is dedicated to designing and developing cutting-edge mobile phone software focusing on creating innovative lifestyle and personal productivity applications, which integrate into customer’s everyday lives. Founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan by Greg Schwartz in April 2003, Mobatech has been at the forefront of the mobile technology boom and continues to push the envelope in its development of cutting edge... [Read More...]
SPARK’s Jennifer Owens Testifies to Commerce Department
WHO: Jennifer Owens, Ann Arbor SPARK’s vice president, business development WHERE: United States House of Representatives Commerce Department Committee on Science and Technology WHAT: Owens will give testimony to the Commerce Department Committee on Science and Technology on the importance of manufacturing in economic development. She will discuss how manufacturing is critical to the success of innovation-based start-ups that require partners... [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 →
New Eagle Receives First Eastern Washtenaw Microloan Fund
We are pleased to announce that New Eagle, a technology-enabled service provider, was recently awarded the first loan from the Eastern Washtenaw Microloan Fund. This is a funding opportunity for start-ups that’s part of the Michigan Microloan Fund Program. Washtenaw County helped to fund the Michigan Microloan Fund Program to help companies like New Eagle, based in Ypsilanti, Mich., who will use the microloan to commercialize its MotoHawk® software. Read... [Read More...]
Nanosystems featured in the Detroit Free Press
“In just four years, John Nanos has gone from teaching organic chemistry at the University of Michigan to building a multimillion-dollar company that’s helping the environment. Katherine Yung profiles Ann Arbor SPARK client Nanosystems in October 4th, 2009 feature.” http://www.freep.com/article/20091004/BUSINESS06/910040435/1002/Business/Greener-chemical-products-allow-start-up-to-blossom “But Nanos, who got his bachelor’s... [Read More...]
It’s Hard to Raise Money Today
Unfortunately there is not much new, or anything you don’t already know, about how difficult it is for a start-up to raise capital in 2009. That makes it even scarier for a corporate executive interested in transitioning from the BIG world to the SMALL world. Our friend Jim Price over at the Ross School at U of M was interviewed for the school newsletter. He discusses the differences between the two cultures and the paradigm shift these... [Read More...]
Presentation on state incentives and capital programs
On July 14 we will be presenting a program on the many programs funded by the state that put cash in the bank accounts of start-ups and early stage growth companies. When you look around at the incentives other states are providing technology and other innovative entrepreneurs you will be hard pressed to find one that has as many creative programs providing capital than Michigan. We have programs for university based commercialization opportunities,... [Read More...]
SBIR Training
Having trouble raising money or finding investment? If you are a start-up it is very hard to find capital today. It’s not impossible and I know of companies who have been able to close a small round of Angel investment recently, but it’s hard. We are telling all entrepreneurs these days they need to plan on ‘boot strapping’ their growth for awhile longer. Michigan has some great investment and incentive programs that... [Read More...]
