Michigan Economic Development Corporation - The Upper Hand BLOG

Michigan Economic Development Corporation - The Upper Hand BLOG

From the category archives:

Resources

Drawing on Brilliance: The Michigan Advantage

May 13, 2010 Entrepreneurship

Michigan is an epicenter of innovation with its highly skilled workforce, world-class universities, beautiful communities and a 21st century infrastructure.  But building that epicenter of innovation didn’t happen overnight.  Michigan has a deeply rooted culture of innovation and an entrepreneurial ecosystem rich with resources.
The Michigan Advantage for companies everywhere is that they can come and [...]

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New York Times Highlights Michigan’s Innovative Economic Development Tools … Again!

March 4, 2010 Entrepreneurship

Wednesday, the New York Times highlighted the Small Business and Technology Development Center’s (SBTDC) efforts at re-training laid-off workers to qualify for jobs in emerging sectors. The SBTDC is a strategic service provider for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.
So far, 527 people have taken the course, which the center offers in partnership with the Ewing [...]

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Job-creation announcement points to genuine resurgence in the auto industry

November 19, 2009 Resources

We’re beginning to see a genuine resurgence in the auto industry. There are solid investments being made because companies believe there’s an opportunity to serve a market that has been struggling. These factors, in combination with innovative state and local economic development tools, help ensure the auto industry’s growth well into the future. For example, [...]

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How to Pitch a Brilliant Idea

November 18, 2009 Resources

Having a creative idea is the easy part.  Actually being able to engage and intrigue others to take your ideas and make them reality – that’s a whole different story.  The Harvard Business Review article “How to Pitch a Brilliant Idea” by Kimberly D. Elsbach, outlines how those pitching new ideas are viewed and stereotyped [...]

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New Business Counseling

November 12, 2009 Resources

Are you looking to start a new business in Michigan and wish you had someone you could talk directly to about your new venture?  Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center(MIsbTdc) is your resource for online counseling.  Their mission is to enhance Michigan’s economic well-being by providing counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures, [...]

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Give back while growing your network

November 11, 2009 Entrepreneurship

TechTown is working hard to reshape the business culture in Detroit by offering a business mentoring program.  This program matches TechTown entrepreneurs enrolled in SmartStart and Arts IMPACT, with skilled business professionals who act as advisors, and help guide the companies to success.
Even the most successful entrepreneurs needed guidance when they started out, and the [...]

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Small Business Planner

November 6, 2009 Entrepreneurship

Are you an entrepreneur and looking for resources to help you with your business planning?  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has put together a great list of resources to help you manage your business at any stage.  The four stages the SBA has outlined are:

Plan Your Business
Start Your Business
Manage Your Business
Getting Out

Check out the [...]

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Small Business Training Network

November 6, 2009 Entrepreneurship

Are you an entrepreneur and looking to educate yourself about the beginning stages of starting your own business?  The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has developed the Small Business Training Network (SBTN), offering online courses at no cost.  The following courses are currently available:

Finance & Accounting
Business Planning
Starting a Business
Business Management
Government Contracting
Surviving a Slow Economy
Marketing & [...]

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Advice from experienced entrepreneurs

November 6, 2009 Entrepreneurship

One of the most unique resources offered by entrepreneurship.gov is access to dozens of inspiring and instructional articles from successful entrepreneurs.  Topics range from buy-sell agreements and lean manufacturing to advice on how to compensate contract workers and brand yourself properly.
Entrepreneurship.gov, a public-private partnership between the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade [...]

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Ann Arbor SPARK

November 6, 2009 Entrepreneurship

Ann Arbor SPARK is a public-private partnership that supports energy and tech startups and has a statewide Pre-Seed Capital Fund that targets Tech companies.  SPARKs offers programs, resources and proactive support to businesses at every stage – from entrepreneurial start-up to large organizations looking for expansion opportunities.  For more information visit their website.

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