MEDC Offers More Details On RFP For Startup Support

LANSING -- The Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. has issued a Request for Proposals from nonprofit organizations and universities in Michigan to provide specialized support services to assist entrepreneurs in launching and growing high-tech companies throughout the state.

"Early-stage companies represent high growth potential and very good-paying jobs," said MEDC president and CEO Michael A. Finney. "They also require specialized support and access to a strong network of public and private resources. We are confident that with the support of these organizations and the types of services they will provide, we will continue to accelerate the growth of innovative technology start-ups and create more jobs in Michigan."

The total amount of available funding is $5.25 million. This funding will be disbursed over a performance period of up to three years. The MSF is seeking proposals in these three entrepreneurial service gap areas:

First Customer Program ($1.5 million): Services and programs to assist companies to identify, introduce, and close deals with "first" customers. This will include start-up companies and companies diversifying into new markets, requiring preparation for and introduction to first customers.   Industry Consortium Programs ($500,000): Consortium or partnering services and programs for specific industry areas such as medical devices or clean technology for the purpose of facilitating the growth of tech companies and keeping the manufacturing of those technologies in Michigan.   Federal Grant Matching Funds ($3.25 million): Programs to provide commercialization matching funds to companies receiving technology research federal grants.

Only nonprofit organizations and universities are eligible to receive funding through this RFP. In order to be considered, applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal for delivering entrepreneurial services in one of the three gap areas. Proposals must be limited to seven pages in length and must include a detailed description of the proposed services, experience, milestones, budget and economic impact.

The RFP can be viewed at www.michiganadvantage.org/Public-Notices-Requests-for-Proposals.

Proposals must be submitted to the MSF via email in PDF format to 2012ESP@michigan.org by Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. Proposals will not be accepted via U.S. mail or any other delivery method.

Prospective bidders may submit questions regarding the RFP via email by Monday, Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. to 2012ESP@michigan.org. The MSF will not respond to questions that are not received by the above date and time. In addition, questions that are phoned, faxed or sent through regular mail will not be accepted.

Responses to all qualifying questions will be posted on the MEDC's Web site, www.michiganadvantage.org on Aug. 29 at 5 p.m.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp., a public-private partnership serving as the state's marketing arm and lead agency for business, talent and jobs, focuses on helping grow Michigan's economy. For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit www.MichiganAdvantage.org.