Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image Image

Incuba8 | incuba8 - Part 3

04 Aug

By

Weeklong Business Creation Event Coming To Midland

August 4, 2009 | By |

GREAT LAKES IT REPORT- A tenant at the Mid-Michigan Innovation Center in Midland, Opportunity Analysts LLC, has partnered with several area organizations and companies to launch a week long intensive program focused on concept generation and new business creation called Incuba8. Read more…

03 Aug

By

Aug 12: Entrepreneur & Social Entrepreneur Meetup

August 3, 2009 | By |

2470 E NewCastle Lane, Midland, MI, 48640, 7 pm- 10 pm, www.entremeetup.com, Suggested donation: $5

Objective: We want to create connections among smart, driven people from all walks of life in Mid-Michigan to build a better community and world together.

Speakers:

CCS Robotics– Tony Diodato, Inventor and CTO. Gary Familian, acting CEO

CCS Robotics is the leader and first provider of autonomous mobile robots in the clinical and laboratory environment. The Speciminder and RoboCourier units have been successfully operating in the clinical space for almost three years.

Kinetic Wave Power– Joesph Blackmore

A technology company formed to commercialize the cost competitive wave energy conversion technology called PowerGin ™

Midland Downtown Development Authority– Tony Kulick, Director

Tony will introduce the Midland Downtown Development Authorities (DDA) new Retail Incubator Program launch. Hear about the type of new businesses the DDA is trying to attract to downtown Midland and learn about the incentives available to assist you with your startup.

Activities:
• Business card table
• Quick 20 second intros for first time attendees
• Birds of a feather- learn about other attendees interests, skill sets, and new opportunities
• Three or four presentations from recent startups (7 min presentation, 3 min Q&A)
• Quick elevator pitches, announcements, and life changing books nominations
• Fellowship and food- Please bring a dish to pass or a donation

Please email me if:
• You are interested in presenting your company, idea, social venture, or issue at a future meetup.
• You want to submit an announcement before the meetup
• You are traveling from out of town.

Please spread the word about the group and invite any of your friends who care about changing the world and are interested in entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, public policy, politics, investing, healthcare, education, law, poverty, marketing, or technology. All are welcome!

Contact: [email protected]

* Note: Thank you Ryan Allis and others in Chapel Hill, NC who helped inspire this meetup!

03 Aug

By

Saginaw Valley State University- Wired

August 3, 2009 | By |

svsuw

The Mid Michigan Innovation Speaker Series was made possible by funding Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) received through the Mid Michigan Innovation Team (MMIT) in the Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration.

03 Aug

By

Aug 13: Mid Michigan Innovation Speaker Series, 4:30 pm

August 3, 2009 | By |

MidMichigan InnovatorsSpeaker Series Presents:

Alex Lindahl, Co-founder of College Mogul/Director of Ultra Light Startups

Please join us for this exciting free event!

August 13, 2009 beginning at 4:30 p.m., Sloan Family Building at Northwood University, (click for map),  Social Hour and Networking to follow

Hailing from Boston, the MidMichigan Innovators would like to welcome Alex Lindahl, co-founder of College Mogul and director of the Boston chapter of Ultra Light Startups.  Alex will share his experiences as a young entrepreneur and talk about the open source world and the power of crowd sourcing to accelerate technology startups.

Register today!

MMIC Speaker Sponsors

This event "was made possible by funding Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) received through the Mid Michigan Innovation Team (MMIT) in the Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration."

30 Jul

By

Gary Bellaver, Dow Technology & Licensing

July 30, 2009 | By |

Gary Bellaver received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University in 1986, and has worked for the Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan for 23 years.  His career started in day-to-day commercial scale manufacturing in Dow Pharmaceuticals, participating and leading production processes responsible for the active ingredients for some of the largest volume prescription drugs in history.  Over the course of 20 years spent in Dow Pharmaceuticals, his key job responsibilities evolved from production engineering, capital project management, leading scale up of developmental processes to full commercial scale, financial analysis and value proposition creation of new opportunities, to negotiations with new customers interested in Dow’s pharmaceutical manufacturing offerings.  Over the course of this time, he has accumulated a broad understanding of industrial chemical engineering, project and program management, financial and business analysis, and FDA / EPA regulatory principles.

In 2006, Gary transitioned into Dow’s Technology and Licensing business, and currently holds the title of Senior Leader, Dow Technology & Licensing.  In this role, he is responsible for Dow’s methodology for valuation of the Corporation’s Intellectual Property, valuation of specific licensing inquiries and projects, and constructing, presenting, and negotiating value propositions and license contracts with external clients.

Gary Bellaver spoke at the Aug ‘09 Incuba8 Business Setup Conference . Register Now!

Presentation: Out Licensing Your Technology

Description: This presentation will focus on the critical aspects of licensing as it pertains to a business. Basic concepts such as types of licenses, important terms and conditions, resources for creating and sustaining a license business, and valuation of licensed intellectual property will be discussed.

30 Jul

By

Alden B. Dow Creativity Center- Northwood University

July 30, 2009 | By |

Alden B. Dow Creativity Center- Northwood University

Alden B. Dow Creativity Center- Northwood University

30 Jul

By

Christina Dillbeck, Graphic Designer, Site Farm

July 30, 2009 | By |

Christina graduated in May 2008 from Saginaw Valley State University with a B.A. in Graphic Design and a minor in English. She was the Public Information Officer for SVSU’s student association, and a photojournalist  for the Valley Vanguard, SVSU’s newspaper. Christina is on the leadership team for Living Word Church’s Young Adult and Life Groups. She enjoy photography, graphic design, and working with young people. Christina is currently involved in a startup called SiteFarm as a photographer and designer.

29 Jul

By

Summer Events- 2009

July 29, 2009 | By |

We are proud to present Incuba8 2009(pronounced “Incubate”)! Local startup consultant Caryn Shick of Opportunity Analysts, LLC is teaming up with Midland Tomorrow, the Mid-Michigan Innovation Center,Northwood University- Alden B. Dow Creativity Center, and an array of entrepreneurs from all over the country to bring you a series of three entrepreneurial conferences that will guide you through the start-up process and help you launch your dream business. (Thank you sponsors!)

Come hear how Alex Lindahl founded www.collegemogul.com, and how a variety of other successful entrepreneurs have built their businesses from scratch. If you are serious about creating new revenue streams, launching a product, building an info site, or just developing a small source of automated income, Incuba8 will have something for you. Incuba8 will allow you the opportunity to develop your concept, create your vision, and launch your company from start to finish.

Below are the breakdowns of the events that will be held throughout August. If you are excited about pursuing your dreams, generating income, and want to learning how to navigate the startup process, register today!

Incuba8 is looking for:

  • People with great business ideas
  • Local inventors with that would like to be included in the area innovation showcase
  • Business mentors and presenters with startup expertise
  • Entrepreneurial support organizations that would like to be included in the organizational fair

Why Incuba8?

  • Too many great ideas sit without being pursued
  • It is possible to do what you want and get paid
  • There are many free resources waiting to be tapped into
  • The entrepreneurial process is full of ambiguity and learning to navigate that ambiguity can be daunting on your own

 

——————————————————————————————————————————————

 

Below are the events this summer. Come to the an individual event or the whole program!

Area Innovation ShowcaseAugust 10th, 10:15- 11:30 am, Alden B. Dow Creativity Center, Midland, MI

  • Meet the area’s most creative innovators, services providers , inventors, and product creators.
  • Showcase your new invention or business idea to angel investors, customers, and other entrepreneurs at the first Area Innovation Showcase. REGISTER Here!

Concept Crafting Boot Camp August 10-12th, Alden B. Dow Creativity Center, Midland, MI

  • A workshop that helps you create a viable and feasible business proposal by helping you walk through the ideation process needed to outline your startup’s purpose, strategy, and revenue model. This workshop targets motivated entrepreneurs under 30.
  • Suggested donation: $65 (scholarships available upon qualification). REGISTER Here!

Entrepreneurial and Social Entrepreneurial Meetup August 12th, 7:00 pm, 2470 E NewCastle Ln, Midland

  • A networking event creating connections among smart, driven people from all walks of life in Mid-Michigan to build a better community and world together.
  • Suggested donation: $5

Mid Michigan Innovators Speakers Series, Alex Lindahl, Co-Founder of College Mogul August 13th, 4:30 pm, The Sloan Building at Northwood University, Midland, MI

Business Launch WeekendAugust 13-16th, The Sloan Building at Northwood University, Midland, MI

  • Develop your own business concept with the help of our mentors and experts targeting motivated individuals under 30.
  • Don’t have a business concept? Jump on board with some of the hottest new concepts in Michigan and contribute your talent to making them a reality. REGISTER Here!

Business Setup ConferenceAugust 18th,  8:00 am-7 pm, Mid Michigan Innovation Center, Midland, MI

  • Have all of your startup questions answered by the experts.
  • This event is focused on walking startups through the organizational structure, legal & accounting setup, intellectual capital strategies, and licensing your idea.
  • Attendees will receive instruction from Intellectual Property Specialists, Start-up Lawyers, Accounting Specialists and more.
  • Suggested donation: $100.  REGISTER FOR THE BUSINESS SETUP CONFERENCE Here!

If you or someone you know is interested or is considering a business start-up check out our website or contact Caryn Shick at [email protected] or 989-430-3518.

27 Jul

By

Aug 10: Area Innovation Showcase

July 27, 2009 | By |

Do you have a new product that you are trying to launch? Have a startup that is doing something innovative and unique? Want to inspire young entrepreneurs and let people in Mid Michigan know what you are doing? Interested in what innovations other people are doing in the area?

Show off your concept or attend the:

Area Innovation Showcase
Monday, August 10th 10:30am-11:30am
Alden B. Dow Creativity Center
2203 Eastman Road, Midland, Michigan 48640

This event will kick off Incuba8’s Concept Crafting Bootcamp which will walk young entrepreneurs through the process of developing a concept into a viable business. Register Today!

21 Jul

By

Mid Michigan Innovation Center

July 21, 2009 | By |

The Mid Michigan Innovation Center is a private, non-profit organization created to provide entrepreneurs and start-up companies a supportive and collaborative environment. MMIC connects you with critical resources, valuable services, flexible facilities, and entrepreneurial training and education that will help you develop your business venture.MidMichigan Innovation Center

18 Jul

By

Blake Imeson, SEO & Web Development, Sparkplug SEO

July 18, 2009 | By |

Blake Imeson is pursuing his Bachelors of Science in Entrepreneurship at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. He is the founder and lead consultant for Sparkplug SEO, a small search engine optimization and web development company. Blake is also a passionate internet technSparkplug SEOologist, and a huge fan of the opensource projects, Firefox and WordPress. He has been a featured speaker at conferences and seminars on new internet technology, Search Engine Optimization, social media, blogging, and WordPress. When not glued to the computer screen, he enjoys woodworking and being in the mountains. Blake loves helping people with their web projects and is involved in a multitude of exciting web ventures. Blake is an avid blogger and zealous follower of more than 200 blogs. His favorite blogs are Seth Godin’s and Lifehacker.

18 Jul

By

Alex Lindahl, Co-Founder of CollegeMogul.com

July 18, 2009 | By |

MidMichigan Innovators Speaker Series Hosts Special Guest:

Alex Lindahl, Co-founder of College Mogul and Director of Ultra Light Start-ups (now known as Clean Economies)

Midland, MI (August 6, 2009) – This event’s guest, Alex Lindahl, co-founder of College Mogul and Director of Boston’s Ultra Light Start-ups chapter, will be in Midland to share his experiences as a young entrepreneur in Boston, and explain the workings of the “open source world” and harnessing the power of “crowd sourcing” to accelerate technology start-ups. This special presentation is part of the next MidMichigan Innovators Speaker Series, sponsored by MidMichigan Innovation Center (MMIC) along with Saginaw Valley State University and their federal WIRED program. The free program will be held Thursday, August 13 beginning at 4:30 p.m., and concluding with a networking reception, at Northwood University, Sloan Building.

Alex Lindahl is the co-founder of College Mogul, a media and resource portal for young entrepreneurs, and is the Boston director of Ultra Light Startups. However, during the day, Alex works in sales at Acquia, a venture-backed startup that is commercializing a widely popular open source Web software called Drupal. At Acquia, Alex was the first sales hire and leads the sales team in revenue generation while contributing to the development of new products, partnerships, and training of new sales representatives. As a recent graduate from Boston College, he’s already started several ventures; including a painting company that grossed over $100k in revenue during two college summers and a mobile startup that raised over $100k in private funding.

“Having Alex Lindahl join us is a special opportunity to learn from his experiences and insights into the world of open source technology. And, we are bringing him in as part of a larger week-long event, incuba8, which targets young entrepreneurs and helps them understand the processes and resources available to help start their businesses,” says Chris Moultrup, MMIC Program Director.

There is no cost for this program but pre-registration is encouraged and space is limited. For more details and to register, visit the MMIC Web site at www.mmic.us or call (989) 839-2333.

This program was made possible by funding Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) received through the Mid Michigan Innovation Team (MMIT) in the Workforce Innovations in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration.

# # #

About the Mid Michigan Innovators

Mid Michigan Innovators is a collaborative partnership between organizations, institutions, and individuals in the region, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship to support local economic growth in mid-Michigan. Mid Michigan Innovators sponsors a quarterly newsletter, quarterly speaker series events as well as an annual innovation showcase.

About Mid Michigan Innovation Center

The Mid Michigan Innovation Center is a private, non-profit organization created to provide entrepreneurs and start-up companies a supportive and collaborative environment. MMIC connects you with critical resources, valuable services, flexible facilities, and entrepreneurial training and education that will help you develop your business venture. As an MMIC partner, you will receive the support needed to ensure your company’s success.

4520 Ashman Rd. | Suite M. | Midland | MI | 48642 | (989) 839-2333 www.mmic.us

MidMichigan Innovatorssvsuw

13 Jul

By

Aug 13-15: Business Launch Weekend

July 13, 2009 | By |

The Business Launch weekend is held at the Sloan Family Building at Northwood University, 4000 Whiting Dr. Midland, MI 48640 (click on address for map) on Thursday August, 13 – Saturday, August 15.

Sloan Conference Center

We’re looking for people with big ideas, graphic designers, marketers, web developers, and finance people. Let’s work together to make concepts a reality.

Who?
• Young people with great business ideas
• Business mentors and presenters with startup expertise
• Entrepreneurial support organizations that would like to be included in the organizational fair

What?
The Business Launch Weekend will bring together people interested in starting up or contributing to businesses from the surrounding area to work on developing specific concepts over a weekend. The first night is spent discussing ideas, presenting possible launches, choosing opportunities to be pursued, and organizing into teams. The rest of the weekend will be spent creating a business plan, website, business systems, and operational plans. Students who participate may be able to apply for internship credit from their university.


Day 1 -Thursday August 13, 2009

6:00pm Arrival, Introduction of Volunteers and Participants
6:30pm New Venture Pitches (Open to all participants with business concept- please submit on website beforehand)
• 7 minute presentation with 3 minute Q&A follow-up
8:00pm Self-Selection Process of Teams
9:00pm Check Point 1- Elevator Pitch
• Description of elevator pitch components will be available on website.
10:00pm Social Mixer – Event breaks to local establishment to continue developing ideas and meet participants

Day 2 -Friday August 14, 2009

9:00am Building Opens (Teams can meet if desired)
9:30 – 10:00am Welcome & Overview of the Business Plan Blitz
12:00pm Check Point 2- Teams have completed name (keywords), tagline, executive summary, vision statement, and have purchased URL and hosting
12:30 Lunch Break and Debriefing
4:00pm Check Point 3- Create basic live website/ wire frame, personalized email
1 page description of your business to inform the public, credibility establishing plan, identify keywords & setup sample Google Adsense & Adword campaign, logo & business card design (possibility of extension)
5:00pm Event Break- Teams finish all check points and fully debrief

Tentative Presentations (10-20 minutes each throughout the day, optional attendance):
Website tips and trick
Simple strategies for securing web traffic
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn Integration

Day 3 –Saturday, August 15, 2009

9:00am Building Opens
9:30- 10:00am Official Start and Marketing Blitz Overview
12:30pm Lunch break
2:30pm Check Point 4- Basic survey for potential customers, pricing, sales strategy plan, startup costs, create web presence strategy integrating social networks (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
5:00pm Checkpoint 5- Pro forma statements draft, report on what was learned, what worked, what didn’t work, and packet of all previous deliverables and accomplishments, elevator
pitch (take 2)
6:30pm Mixer and Final Debrief

Tentative Presentations (10-20 minutes each throughout the day, optional attendance):
From basement to board room: how to create business credibility & consumer confidence
Pricing models
Attract buyers: New strategies and new guarantees for generating sales.

Day 4 –Sunday, August 16, 2009

2:00pm Community Presentation of New Business Concepts & Entrepreneurship Fair
5:30pm Closing Comments


These events are being hosted free on your behalf by Opportunity Analysts, LLC and our sponsors. There is a suggested donation of $65.00 for this event. The sponsors and many volunteers who will be bringing you these events will greatly appreciate any support you can provide.

Register Now!

10 Jul

By

Aug 18: Business Setup Conference

July 10, 2009 | By |

The Business Setup Conference is held at the MidMichigan Innovation Center, 4520 E. Ashman Rd., Midland, MI 48642 (Click on address for map) on Tuesday, August 18 from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.MidMichigan Innovation Center

Who?
• Entrepreneurs of all ages
• Business mentors and presenters with startup expertise

What?
Setting Up Business will be comprised of seminars to help walk new startups through the legal setup and basic financial statements. Attendees will be provided with free resources and outlines, and advice. Takeaways for Business Setup are:

  • Setting up your organizational structure
  • Process for filing
  • How to License
  • Setting up your accounting
  • Legally protecting yourself and your concept
  • Wordmarks, Trademarks, Logos, Patents

Agenda

8:00- 9:00 The Best Organizational Structure for Your Organization- Gary Gudmundsen, J.D,  Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner P.L.C.

9:15 –10:45 , Work Smarter Not Harder – Leveraging Internet and Personal Resources to Save you Time, Caryn Shick

11:00 – 12:30  Finding and Using the Best Intellectual Capital Strategy to Protect Your Idea, Reed Shick, Ph.D

Do you have a product concept but not sure how to protect your idea or even how to do a basic patent search? Dr. Shick will be shedding light on a confusing subject to most entrepreneurs, Intellectual Capital. Dr. Shick will be speaking on what IP is and some of the basic tools entrepreneurs can use to review their IP position, IP strategy, and make recommendations specific to the companies represented.

12:30- 1:30 Lunch Break

1:45 – 2:45 Out Licensing Your Technology- Gary Bellaver, Dow  Licensing & Technology

This presentation will focus on the critical aspects of licensing as it pertains to a business. Basic concepts such as types of licenses, important terms and conditions, resources for creating and sustaining a license business, and valuation of licensed intellectual property will be discussed.

3:00 – 4:00  Accounting Setup for Startups- Michael Zimmerman, CPA, Yeo & Yeo

One of the greatest mistakes made by owners of small businesses is not keeping good financial records and making improper or poor business decisions based on
inadequate information. We will guide you through the basics and also share information on accounting software that is easy to use for a new business.

4:15 – 5:45  Navigating Trademarks! What most entrepreneurs dont know will kill their business! Karen Kimble, JD, Technology Law, PLLC

Karen will be discussing the key mistakes entrepreneurs make with regard to trade marks. It is never a good idea to create a product, slap a logo or custom label on your creation, and begin selling to the public. To many small companies have infringed on large company’s trade mark’s and have been taken to court and forced to cease operations, costing the operator precious time and money. Allow Karen Kimble to show you how to do basic trade mark searches and how to safely navigate your product into the marketplace without infringing on other trademarked material.

* This agenda is subject to change as we continue to line up new speakers.

These events are being hosted free on your behalf by Opportunity Analysts, LLC and our sponsors. There is a suggested donation of $100.00 for this event. The sponsors and many volunteers who will be bringing you these events will greatly appreciate any support you can provide. Register Now!

07 Jul

By

Midland Tomorrow

July 7, 2009 | By |

Midland Tomorrow is the private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) economic development corporation serving the County of Midland, Michigan, and all municipalities therein. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for Midland County residents through the retention and creation of quality jobs and diversification of the economic base.

Midland Tomorrow works with local industrial and technology businesses, from startup businesses to Fortune 500 corporations, to help them develop new products, new customers and new markets. We also work to proactively build relationships with targeted external businesses to help them locate or expand their operations in the Midland area. Our wide range of service offerings are provided free of charge and with complete confidentiality. Among others, these services include assistance with site selection, financial packaging and incentive programs, introductions to the community, and workforce and community development.

Midland Tomorrow’s operations are funded by contracts for services with government and investment from public and private entities.

For more information on Midland Tomorrow and the services offered, email [email protected] or contact them at (989) 839-0340.

07 Jul

By

Aug 10 – 12: Concept Crafting Boot Camp

July 7, 2009 | By |

Held at the Alden B. Dow Creativity Center, 2203 Eastman Road, Midland, Mich. 48640 (Click on address for map) on Monday, August 10 – Wednesday, Aug 12 from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Do you have a great idea that you’d like to pursue? Come to our concept crafting bootcamp. Concept Crafting is a interactive workshop designed  help you walk through the steps needed to have a viable business proposal. Takeaways for the Concept Creation event are:

  • Creating, clarifying, and articulating the participant’s organizational vision, and purpose
    • Including needs and problems being addressed and the desired impact of the business
  • Understanding who the customer’s will be, identifying their primary and secondary needs, and defining the scope of the venture
  • Service and product development
  • Creating a viable business model
  • Mapping the next steps in launching the organization
  • whiting house

Monday, August 10, 2009

10:15 Welcome
10:30-11:30 Area Innovation Showcase
11:30- 12:30 Food Mixer
12:30- 4:30 Vision Crafting Workshop covering:
• Creating, clarifying, and articulating the organizational vision, and purpose
• Defining needs and problems being addressed by the startup and the desired impact of the business
• Learning and understanding who the customers will be, identifying their primary and secondary needs, and defining the scope of the venture in meeting these needs

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

10:30 -11:30 Participant Progress Review (Optional)
11:30- 12:30 Food Mixer
12:30- 4:30 Service/Product Development and Strategy Workshop covering:
• Identifying who is paying for the product, why they would pay, and the value of their purchase defined
• Identifying different groups that would be impacted by the business and how the business is attractive to each group
• Creating incentives
• Aligning strategy to customer needs
• Developing strategy to provide the service/product
• (Possible IP/ Idea protection mini-session)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

10:30 -11:30 Participant Progress Review (Optional)
11:30- 12:30 Food Mixer
12:30- 4:30 Defining Your Business Model and Mapping Future Action Workshop covering:
• Creating a viable business model
o Different online, and service business model options
o Pricing
o Industry benchmarks
• Your pro-forma statements
• Mapping the next steps in launching the organization

* This agenda is subject to change, any changes will be imediately posted.


These events are being hosted free on your behalf by Opportunity Analysts, LLC and our sponsors. There is a suggested donation of $65.00 for this event. The sponsors and many volunteers who will be bringing you these events will greatly appreciate any support you can provide. Register Now!