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Inforum Offers Peek Inside 'Activate' Women-Led Business Formation Program

DETROIT -- Activate, which offers women the opportunity to start their own technology companies, is offering free introductory sessions in person or online starting April 23 for women to learn more about the program. In-person sessions are offered in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Troy.

"Activate focuses on women with early start ups, a technology they want to commercialize, and those with experience who seek to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit," said Kathleen Mechem, Inforum's Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Strategies. Inforum Center for Leadership's inGAGE strategy is funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Activate is a proven methodology that guides women through idea generation and commercial viability to launch growth-oriented businesses. The program is focused on women who have an idea or technology they want to commercialize, already have an early start-up, or those with solid career experience and transferable skills who want to unleash their entrepreneurial spirit.

It is taught by experienced entrepreneurs who provide students with tools and access to a growing national network of successful entrepreneurial women. The Activate program provides experts, mentors, potential funders and sponsors to participants create a viable, growing company. Tested methods and techniques create a safe yet aggressive environment that pushes women past their comfort zones to turn ideas into action.

Activate 2013 will begin in September 2013 in Southeast and West Michigan. Applications will be accepted until May 31.

"We are offering these sessions to provide Activate program information to interested parties, such as women who may consider enrolling in the program, and partners who may have outreach or contacts with entrepreneurial women they might refer to the program," said Mechem. "These informational sessions will provide an overview of the Activate program and class including details on the schedule and topics covered in the class, why Inforum offers the class, the types of start ups, companies, businesses and candidates targeted for the program, and the application process."

In-Person:
Tuesday, April 23, 4 to 5 p.m., Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham Drive, Troy. To register, visit this link.
Monday, April 29, 11 a.m. to noon, Rehmann, 2330 East Paris Ave. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI. To register, visit this link.
Tuesday, April 30, 5 to 6 p.m., Ann Arbor Spark, 201 S Division St. Suite 430, Ann Arbor. To register, visit this link.

There will also be Webinars at the following times. To register, visit this link.
Friday, May 3, noon to 1 p.m.
Monday, May 6, 9 to 10 a.m.
Monday, May 6, 5 to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7, 8 to 9 a.m.
Wednesday, May 8, 4 to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, May 15, 8 to 9 a.m.

To download an application, visit this link.

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