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MEDC Offers Tech Company Capital, Services Forums Across State

LANSING -- The Michigan Economic Development Corp. is sponsoring a series of entrepreneurial services presentations at 15 locations around the state, from the southwest and southeast corners of the state to the farthest reaches of the Upper Peninsula, on April 16-17 and April 23-25.

The presentations are designed to help owners and executives of high growth, early stage technology companies find growth opportunities through the business services and financial support that are available through MEDC-supported business incubators and accelerators around the state.

"No other state does what Michigan does to fund an entire entrepreneurial ecosystem that supports innovative early stage companies," said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. "This is a golden opportunity for Michigan's entrepreneurs to see first-hand the types of services available.  These strategic services are vital to accelerating the growth of innovative technology start-ups in Michigan that will diversify our economy and create new wealth in our state."

Attendees will hear about business and technology assistance, training, financial support and access to talent from the following organizations:

Michigan Economic Development Corp., Lansing: Access to capital and resources for high growth, early stage technology companies.

Next Energy, Detroit: Serves to accelerate energy security, economic competitiveness and environmental responsibility through the growth of advanced-energy technologies, businesses and industries.

Great Lakes Entrepreneurs Quest, Lansing: Statewide annual business plan competition that provides a network of volunteer coaching, investor talent, and entrepreneurial support programs for early stage companies.

Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition, Ann Arbor: An international business plan competition designed to highlight Michigan as a robust and vibrant venue for innovation and business opportunity.

Biotechnology Business Consultants, Ann Arbor: Statewide support for Michigan companies to secure funding through federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants.

Michigan Angel Fund, Ann Arbor: Group of angel investors makes investments in emerging technology businesses and returns are shared by the group.

Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, Ann Arbor: Supports high-tech start-up companies as they near commercial viability by providing access to early-stage capital investment or micro loans to accelerate company development.

Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, Grand Rapids: Business Accelerator Fund, a fund that can be accessed by participating business accelerators statewide to provide specialized business acceleration services and resources regardless of their client's geography.

Michigan Venture Capital Association, Ann Arbor: Entrepreneur-in-Residence and CEO placement programs, to improve talent in entrepreneurial companies; the Michigan Venture Fellows program, to develop talent for Michigan venture capital firms; and the Angel Network Growth program, to strengthen angel investment networks across the state.

The 70-minute presentations will be held at these locations:

Monday, April 16
Ann Arbor, 10 a.m., University of Michigan Office of Tech Transfer, North Canpus Research Center, 1600 Huron Parkway
Ann Arbor, 11:40 a.m., Ann Arbor Spark, 300 E. Liberty St., Lower Level
Kalamazoo, 3:15 p.m., Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, Western Michigan University Parkview Campus

Tuesday, April 17
Ypsilanti, 8:20 a.m., Eastern Michigan University Business School, 300 W. Michigan Ave., 473 Gary Owen Building
Detroit, 10:15 a.m., Wayne State University, Danto Engineering Development Center, 5050 Anthony Wayne Drive
Detroit, noon, Next Energy, 461 Burroughs St. Sterling Heights,
Sterling Heights, 1:55 p.m., Macomb - Oakland University INCubator, Velocity Building, 6633 18 Mile Road
Rochester Hills, 3:20 p.m., Macomb - OU INCubator, 401 Sunset Lane
Troy, 5:20 p.m., Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham Drive

Monday, April 23
East Lansing, 10:50 a.m., Technology Innovation Center, 325 E. Grand River Ave.
Mt. Pleasant, 1:25 p.m., Central Michigan University Research Corp., 2625 Denison Drive
Midland, 3:15 p.m., Mid-Michigan Innovation Center, 4520 E. Ashman Road

Tuesday, April 24
Grand Rapids, 10:30 a.m., Grand Valley State University, DeVos Cook Center, 301 Michigan St. East
Sault Ste. Marie, 5:15 p.m., Lake Superior State University, Crow's Nest, Walker Cisler Center, Circle Drive

Wednesday, April 25
Houghton, 9:10 a.m., Michigan Technological University, Advanced Technology Development Center, Sharon Avenue

The workshops are open to high tech entrepreneurs, investors and university representatives. There is no cost to attend, and registration is not required.

For more information the MEDC's Entrepreneurial Services division, visit www.michiganadvantage.org/Entrepreneurs-and-Innovators/.

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