Business things to attend in February

Big tanks to Diane Durance of GLEQ (Great Lakes Entrepreneurial Quest) for putting this fantastic list of things to do together. This is a great way to get and stay connected.

Entrepreneurship & Social Impact Meet
Special Announcement Coming tomorrow to ACE '13!

Michigan is emerging as a launch pad for a new kind of social innovation, with entrepreneurs seeking to build sustainable organizations that improve our communities statewide! Are you one of these social entrepreneurs? If so, you won't want to miss a special announcement coming tomorrow at ACE '13!

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Corps and Great Lakes Entrepreneur's Quest are teaming up to launch a new effort to support and advance social entrepreneurship in Michigan! Be sure to visit Michigan Corps' exhibitor table at ACE or sign up at www.michigancorps.org/TheChallenge to learn more!

GLEQ's Spring 2013 Business Plan Competition, featuring the Fourth Annual $100,000 SmartZone Award, opens for registration Monday, February 4. www.GLEQ.org

Last Minute January Opportunities

Global MIT Enterprise Forum and SAE Auto Innovation Competition. Come watch the semi-finalists present technically about their products and processes (not a funding or a business strategy presentation) to the automotive engineering community. Audience of supervisory or manager level engineers from Tier 1 and OEM companies.
Thursday, January 31, 9:00 a.m.-2 p.m.
Burton Manor, 27777 Schoolcraft Road, Livonia
Register at the door starting at 9 a.m.

ACE'13 - Thirteenth Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship. Attend ACE'13 and hear leading experts, watch the elevator pitch and to take advantage of the Consultants' Corridor. Consultants' Corridor will have more than 130 sessions open to entrepreneurs on a first-come, first-served basis for 20-minute, one-on-one sessions on sales, marketing, funding, intellectual property, business startup, entrepreneurship and more. We are expecting over 1,000 in attendance. You won't want to miss this event.
Thursday, January 31, 2-8 p.m. (Registration on site)
Burton Manor Conference Center, Livonia
http://www.ace-event.org/ (for event details)

2013 SBIR Tibbetts Awards and SBIR Hall of Fame Award Nominations. The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking nominations for awards honoring the critical economic role small businesses play in federally funded research and development through SBA's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Two awards will be given: the "Hall of Fame" award and the "Tibbetts" award.
Thursday, January 31, 5 p.m. Nominations Due
http://tibbetts2013.challenge.gov/

February Highlights

Startup Weekend - MPowered. All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: anyone is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from their peers. Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote) and then it's a 54-hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing, and market validation. The weekends culminate with presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with another opportunity for critical feedback.
Friday, February 1, 6:30 p.m.-Sunday, February 3, 9 p.m.
Palmer Commons, Ann Arbor
http://annarbor.startupweekend.org/

Ask-the-Investors. A two-part event including an expert panel answering all your questions about: 1 - "Crowdfunding litigation, strategies and its economic impact." 2 - "What do investors really want ... other than a return on their investment?" This event is very low on presentation and all about answering attendees' questions. You'll have an opportunity to network with the panelists both before and after the event.
Wednesday, February 27, 5-8 p.m.
Macomb-OU INCubator, 6633 Eighteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights
http://gleq.net/gleq/events.aspx

LiveWorkLaunchDetroit. College students around the country that are looking for a place to launch/expand a business this event is for you. Participants can tour area entrepreneurial resources, meet young Detroit entrepreneurs, attend a resource fair, and participate in a pitch competition to get exposure to investors. Prizes for entrepreneurs include cash, consulting services, free incubator space and mentoring from Venture Capitalists and serial entrepreneurs who will quickly and effectively help these entrepreneurs get connected to all possible resources in the Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Friday, February 22, noon-8 p.m.
Taubman Center, 460 West Baltimore Avenue, Detroit
http://liveworkdetroitfeb.eventbrite.com/

2013 Green Light Business Model Competition. GLEQ is joining Spartan Innovations, MSU Federal Credit Union and other sponsors to bring the inaugural Green Light Business Model Competition to East Lansing. If you are an entrepreneur with a business that has been in existence for one year or less this opportunity is open to you. The competition will culminate with a pitching competition and networking event showcasing the top submissions on March 13. Up to $50,000 in prizes will be awarded.
Friday, February 22, 5 p.m. Submissions due.
Wednesday, March 13, 3-8 p.m.
Henry Center, 3535 Forest Road, E. Lansing
http://www.greenlightmichigan.com/

Startup Weekend - E. Lansing. All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: anyone is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from their peers. Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote) and then it's a 54-hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing, and market validation. The weekends culminate with presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with another opportunity for critical feedback.
Friday, February 22, 6:30 p.m.-Sunday, February 24, 9 p.m.
The Hatch, 325 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 345, E. Lansing
http://swlansing0213.eventbrite.com/

Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering in the 21st Century. The 17th annual Green Chemistry and Engineering Conference is calling for papers to be presented at the conference Tuesday-Thursday, June 18-20.
Monday, March 1, Submissions due.
http://abstracts.acs.org
For more about the conference see http://gcande.org/program/

Bizdom Detroit and Cleveland Summer Accelerator Opportunities. The application period is NOW OPEN for Bizdom Detroit's Summer 2013 Accelerator! Do you know any talented, aspiring entrepreneurs that are trying to launch an innovative, growth-oriented startup? Are they ready to commit to launching their startup at an accelerated pace? If so, Bizdom can help! This 3-month accelerator surrounds talented entrepreneurs with incredible connections, mentoring, funding and experts from within the Quicken Loans family of companies and beyond.
Wednesday, March 3, Application Deadline
http://www.bizdom.com/apply

Michigan Growth Capital Symposium call for Presenting Company Applications. Companies representing a range of industries will be selected to present for an audience of venture capitalists, angel investors and institutional investors. Please review the company selection and criteria information www.michigangcs.com/presenting_companies/criteria.html for further details on submitting your company's executive summary.
Thursday, March 7 (midnight), Final Application Deadline
http://www.michigangcs.com/presenting_companies/newRegistration.asp

 

February Events and Opportunities

Remember to check the sites for the specific events and opportunities as they are subject to change.
Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MISBTDC). The MI-SBTDC offers a comprehensive selection of trainings and workshops statewide for Entrepreneurs - almost 100 each month. The topics are geared to those just starting their first business and also those experienced entrepreneurs looking for ways to improve and enhance their success. Topics include: Writing a Business Plan, Business Accounting and Budgeting, Business Start-up, Cash Flow Management, E-Commerce, Finance, Government Contracting, FastTrac(TM) New Venture Workshops, Managing a Business, Managing Employees, Marketing and Sales, Taxes, and Technology. The GLEQ calendar will highlight select events offered, but many more are available.
http://www.misbtdc.net

Startup Weekend - MPowered. All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: anyone is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from their peers. Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote) and then it's a 54-hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing, and market validation. The weekends culminate with presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with another opportunity for critical feedback.
Friday, February 1, 6:30 p.m.-Sunday, February 3, 9 p.m.
Palmer Commons, Ann Arbor
http://annarbor.startupweekend.org/

User Psychology with Jedi Master Nir Eyal Startup Happy Hour. The Holy Grail of startups is user acquisition, but do you know who your user is? Nir Eyal, a guru on User Psychology with a handful of successful startups to boast, will be at the M@dison Building showing you the Jedi Mind Tricks to better understanding your user.
Friday, February 1, 2-4:30 p.m.
M@dison Building, 1555 Broadway St., Detroit
http://bizdom.com/events/

Global Business Club - Managing a Global Brand in a Franchise Environment. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear Michael Lawton, CFO & Executive VP of Finance for Domino's Pizza talk about this important topic and enjoy dinner and drinks with this diverse group of attendees.
Friday, February 1, 5:30-8 p.m.
MSU Henry Center, 3535 Forest Road, Lansing
http://global.broad.msu.edu/gbclub/

1st Annual Detroit Mobile City iOS Conference. One Day, Four Simultaneous Tracks: Intro to iOS, iOS Design, Advanced Programming, and User Engagement. Keynote speaker Nir Eyal who writes, consults and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology and business. Nir founded and sold two companies since 2003 and has taught the "Using Neuroscience to Influence Human Behavior" course as a lecturer at Stanford's Graduate School of Business.
Saturday, February 2, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Westin Book Cadillac, Detroit
http://detroitmobilecity-esli.eventbrite.com/?goback=%2Egde_3730630_member_203679356

Venture Plan Online. This program is perfect for entrepreneurs who want help to bring their new business ideas to reality. The Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC) is recruiting 160 people (40 per class) to participate in their newly launched program "Venture Plan Online". This eight-week webinar program will guide participants through their startup pains providing weekly one-hour webinars, participant manuals, online tools and other web resources. The program is based on Palo Alto software curriculum. There is a generous grant so the cost is minimal. There are four ten-week classes:
- Tuesdays, February 5-March 26, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays, February 5-March 26, 4-5 p.m.
- Wednesdays, March 6-April 24, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Wednesdays, March 6-April 24, 4-5 p.m.
Monday, February 4, Registration deadline
WEBINARS
https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=1330001

Motor City Connect Live - Novi. Join the business professionals of Motor City Connect for an effective and fun alternative to the traditional networking meeting. This is a chance for everyone to come face-to-face with other MCC members. MCC Live lunches are relaxed, casual and usually good for a few laughs. It's never a something you have to attend; it's an event you want to attend. No sixty-second commercials. No ten-minute speakers. This is just a chance to break bread together, meet new people, seek to understand their needs and connect on a new level.
Tuesday, February 5, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
BD's Mongolian BBQ, 43155 Main Street, Novi
http://motorcityconnect.groupsite.com/calendar/event/2013/2/5/353712

Technology Industry Outlook. Kick off another successful year of business with good news about the future of the tech economy in Southeast Michigan as we preview the 2012 Technology Industry Report. A data-driven deep dive into key industry areas - including automotive engineering, STEM education and innovative tech companies - we will focus on a hyper-local follow-up to the global conversation that takes place every January at the International Consumer Electronics Show (arguably the biggest tech event of the year).
Tuesday, February 5, 7:30-9 a.m.
Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham, Troy
http://www.automationalley.com/a2_nws_eventcal?m=2&y=2013

Capital Raise Meetup. If you are a startup or early-stage growth-based business looking for funding, come meet and listen to capital expert, Mike Brennan, Business Commercialization and Capital Investment Advisor for the Macomb-OU INCubator. He will detail the various capital sources in Michigan, and talk about how to properly position your company to be qualified for private funding, including private equity, the angel network and venture capital, and/or public funding, including grants, pre-seed, micro-loans and venture match.
Tuesday, February 5, 9:30-11 a.m.
Macomb-OU INCubator, 6633 Eighteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights
macinc@oakland.edu

Class @ Start Garden - Introduction to the Lean Canvas & Validation Board. Just getting started? Learn the basics of Business Model Generation, Customer Development, Human Centered Design, marketing Communications, Finance/Law and much more.
Tuesday, February 5, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

SBIR/STTR Proposal Prep - NIH Focus. This NIH-focused seminar presents essential information for crafting a competitive SBIR/STTR proposal that meets the unique requirements of the NIH. It provides detailed instruction on the ins and outs of preparing a proposal, including both technical and commercialization plans, and navigating the often complicated submission process.
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., February 6, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
MI Life Science & Innovation Center, 46701 Commerce Center Drive, Plymouth
http://www.bbcetc.com/training/

Tuesday Forum - 2013 Economic Forecast Breakfast. George Erickcek, Senior Regional Analyst for the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, gives his annual forecast for the country, the state, West Michigan and Northwest Ottawa County. Hosted by the Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg.
Tuesday, February 5, 7:30-9:30 a.m.
Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus Street, Grand Haven
http://web.grandhavenchamber.org/events/eventdetail.aspx?EventID=1716.

Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women: Alumni Ambassador Group. This quarterly meeting hosted by Tami VandenBert, Owner of Meanwhile Bar and Pyramid Scheme alumni of Minding Your Own Business. Intended to provide networking and support to GROW clients in a comfortable, facilitated setting.
Wednesday, February 6, 6-8 p.m.
Meanwhile Bar, 1005 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
https://www.growbusiness.org/Events.aspx

LA2M - CC Chapman: Amazing Things Will Happen. Each of us has the same hours in the day and days in the week to do what we want. What is holding you back from living the life you've always wanted to live? It won't be easy. It won't be handed to you. But, it will be worth it. Author C.C. Chapman will discuss the concepts from his latest book Amazing Things Will Happen about how anyone needs to choose their path and make it happen.
Wednesday, February 6, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's (Celtic Room), 318 S. Main, Ann Arbor
http://www.la2m.org/

Selling Smart Workshop - Questioning Techniques: Asking the Right Questions. Salespeople are often praised for having the "gift of gab." Effective selling is really about effective communication with customers and the salesperson's ability to obtain information quickly and convey their competence by the questions they ask. In this session, you will learn how to maintain your objectivity, educate and pre-qualify prospects using high finesse questioning techniques. You will also learn to use these strategies to overcome stalls and objections, reducing sales cycle times and customer procrastination.
Wednesday, February 6, 9-11 a.m.
SPARK Central, 300 E. Liberty, Lower Level, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events

Legal Issues When Starting or Running a Small Business. A free introduction to the different types of legal entities that are appropriate for structuring and starting a new business. Topics covered include: tax and liability, basic elements of a contract, collections, licenses, registrations, employment and property issues, leasing and insurance.
Wednesday, February 6, 6-8 p.m.
MAREC Center, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon
www.MISBTDC.org/events

D-NewTech and NextEnergy New Year Event. Five presenters this month take the stage for ten minutes each, five minutes to demo and five minutes to answer questions, followed by open announcements and community networking.
Wednesday, February 6, 6-8 p.m.
Quicken Laons' Chase Tower (between Congress St. and Campus Martius)
http://www.meetup.com/DNewTech/

Intro to GROW. A free orientation offered four times a month and open to anyone interested in learning more about GROW and its programs. Get an overview of programs and services.
Thursday, February 7, noon-1pm and 6-7 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Ste. 210, Grand Rapids
www.GROWbusiness.org

Michigan Energy Forum - Solar, Not Just a Passing Fad. Get the latest insights and trends in the Solar industry from an expert panel including Rachel Tronstein Former Deputy Director, Sun Shot Initiative, U.S. Department of Energy; Skip Pruss; Former Director of the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth and Dave Strand COO Ovshinsky Solar LLC.
Thursday, February 7, 5-7 p.m.
SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Lower Level, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events

Cooking up a Successful Food Related Business. Do you dream about turning your passion for food and cooking into a business? Learn step-by-step the necessary things you will need to turn your dream into a reality. From costing and sourcing to cutting through the seemingly endless red-tape, this course is a MUST for anyone who is serious about taking the next step towards becoming an entrepreneur. The course meets for 5 weeks.
Thursdays, February 7-March 7, 6-9 p.m.
Schoolcraft College MI-SBTDC, Business Development Center, Livonia
https://www.misbtdc.net/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=97330010

Start Garden Happy Hour. This is an informal time to meet the Start Garden team, some of our funded projects and people in the ecosystem.
Thursday, February 7, 5:30-7 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

From Girl Scout to CEO - Applying Girl Scouting's Lessons in Today's Business Environment. Attend at Work Squared to hear Gloria Lara, CEO of Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, talk about the positive lessons learned by today's Girl Scouts and how to apply them in contemporary business.
Thursday, February 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Work Squared, 4633 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids
http://wiseconnections.org/events/id/?reg=21

Lunch and Learn - Breaking the Startup Stereotype. Breaking the Start-Up Stereotype helps individuals achieve strategic goals by teaching them to think, observe, visualize, decide and explore differently. The session is aimed to motivate individuals to embrace the complexities of being involved in a new entity. This talk touches on ‘start-up stereotypes,' works through key attributes of a start-up and highlights recommended guidelines for success. In the end, participants will learn first hand the behaviors and practices they will need to model as they develop and grow key components of their business. Bring your own lunch.
Friday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

Marketing 101 (one of three). GROW Business Basics Cluster classes throughout February will assist in the basics of marketing. This session will presents basic marketing concepts such as target market analysis; competition analysis; prospecting and networking and reaching the target market.
Tuesday, February 12, 6-9 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Suite 210, Grand Rapids
http://businessbasics0113.eventbrite.com/

The Pulse of Kalamazoo's Health Care Corridor and Beyond. Join Inforum and Bronson Healthcare in a lively discussion on the exciting economic momentum in downtown Kalamazoo, its growing health care corridor and the important role of talent engagement. Panel of experts includes: Terry Barclay, Preseident & CEO, Inforyum and Inforum Center for Leadership, Jill Bland, Executive VP, Southwest Michigan First, Frank Sardone, President & CEO, Bronson Healthcare and more.
Tuesday, February 12, 7:30-9 a.m.
Bronson Gilmore Center for Health Education, 7 Healthcare Plaza, Kalamazoo
https://www.inforummichigan.org/events/kalamazoos-health-care-corridor-and-beyond

Lean Green Belt Certificate Classes. Participants in the Green Belt Certificate program will gain the ability to tackle targeted concerns within a company's value stream or operations, apply Lean principles to focused areas of the business and recommend ideas for culture change. This program lead by industry experts is hosted by Macomb-OU INCubator.
Tuesdays, February 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, May 7 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Macomb-OU INCubator, 6633 Eighteen Mile Road, Sterling Heights
macINC@Oakland.edu

MichBio BioMixer - Doeren Mayhew. Each month, a MichBio member company hosts a casual networking event at their place of business or some other select site. There is no set program and guests are encouraged to meet with their fellow life science colleagues at their own pace. BioMixers are held throughout the state and provide a unique opportunity for different bio-industry communities to gather outside their regions.
Tuesday, February 12, 5-7 p.m.
Doeren Mayhew, 305 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy
https://m360.michbio.org/ViewEvent.aspx?id=70948&instance=0

Motor City Connect Live - Troy Brown Bag. Join the business professionals of Motor City Connect for an effective and fun alternative to the traditional networking meeting. This is a chance for everyone to come face-to-face with other MCC members. MCC Live lunches are relaxed, casual and usually good for a few laughs. Instead of going to a restaurant, we will visit the office of an MCC member. Ideally, the Troy meeting will rotate. For now, MCC is grateful that the good folks of Prudential has offered to host this month. You will be responsible for your own lunch.
Tuesday, February 12, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Columbia Center Prudential Office, 101 W. Big Beaver, Troy
http://motorcityconnect.groupsite.com/calendar/event/2013/2/12/357205

Ann Arbor OpenCoffee. This is a networking event for entrepreneurs, investors and those who work with innovation businesses, particularly in IT, clean-tech and life sciences.
Tuesday, February 12, 8-9:30 a.m.
SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events

Marketing Roundtable. The Marketing Roundtable is a monthly series featuring regional talent who will discuss practical and cost-effective innovation marketing. Program topics range from brand strategy to social media, and from financial accountability to guerrilla marketing.
Tuesday, February 12, 5-7 p.m.
SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Lower Level, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events

It's leadership TEAM not LEADERSHIP team. The Grand Rapids Inventors Network (GRIN) presents this monthly meeting, February's topic focusing on teams as they relate to leadership. The guest speaker is Rob Elliott.
Tuesday, February 12, 6-8 p.m.
GVSU, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, 301 Michigan St. NE, Room 119, Grand Rapids
http://grinventors.org/pdfs/Feb2013Flyer-web.pdf

Entrepreneur YOU. Attend the second annual Women's Entrepreneur Conference at Walsh College. Keynote speaker is Lori Blaker, CEO, TTi Globarl who will open the conference. Breakout Sessions include GLEQ's own Executive Director, Diane Durance and GLEQ Board member, Carolyn Cassin, President & CEO, MI Women's Foundation. You won't want to miss out.
Wednesday, February 13, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Walsh College Troy Campus, Troy
http://www.thewalshinstitute.com/eyou#.UQloxUpddU0

LA2M - Disruptive Innovation: The News Media Revolution. Dave Martel of MLive Media Group will fill attendees in on the details of how a Michigan media company has completely transformed its business model to maintain relevance, increase value and grow in a ever changing media landscape.
Wednesday, February 13, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's (Celtic Room), 318 S. Main, Ann Arbor
http://www.la2m.org/

An Overview of Federal SBIR/STTR Funding Through DOD. Attendees will learn SBIR/STTR program basics, including: program purpose, eligibility, sources of funding and tools for proposal development with emphasis on the unique features of the Dept. of Defense program. It is designed to provide enough information for attendees to determine if they would like to seriously pursue a grant or contract proposal.
Wednesday, February 13, 9 a.m.-noon
Michigan Manufacturers Association, 620 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing
http://www.bbcetc.com/training/

Innovation Club for Entrepreneurs Meetup. Join ICE to continue their discussion on the theme "Want to Start Something?" This month the guest entrepreneur, Deb Mason from from bidfreez.com, the ultimate travel site.
Wednesday, February 13, 6-8 p.m.
The Avenue Café (Formerly Gone Wired Café), 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing
http://www.meetup.com/ICE-meetup/events/93125342/

CEED Microloan Orientation. Many small businesses face obstacles when trying to obtain a business loan. The recognition of the serious need for working capital for existing businesses, start-up or expansion, equipment purchases, and job creation is not the priority it once was. If you have a need for alternative financing consider the MicroLoan Program. Discover the requirements and process necessary to apply and obtain a microloan.
Wednesday, February 13, 9-11 a.m.
Oakland County MI-SBTDC, Executive Office Building, Waterford
https://www.misbtdc.net/center.aspx?center=39094&subloc=0

TED Talk. Under the moniker, "Ideas worth Sharing," TEDx satellite programs are stimulating communities, organizations and individuals through these dialogues and TED-like experiences. The MidMichigan Innovation Center is the area's catalyst for bringing innovators together. The philosophy is that this forum serve as a foundation and innovation be inspired from idea sharing that will result in an evolving and sustaining community.
Thursday, February 14, 8:30-10 a.m.
MMIC, 2007 Austin Street, Midland
http://mmic.us/events/view10

Government Contracting 101. Find out what it takes to sell your goods and services to the federal government and the State of Michigan. In addition, learn about the services and continuous support the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) has available to help your company with the contracting process.
Thursday, February 14, 9 a.m.-noon
Schoolcraft College- Vistatech Center, 18600 Haggerty, Livonia
inforeq@schoolcraft.edu

Intro to GROW. A free orientation offered four times a month and open to anyone interested in learning more about GROW and its programs. Get an overview of programs and services.
Thursday, February 14, noon-1pm and 6-7 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Ste. 210, Grand Rapids
www.GROWbusiness.org

Michigan Energy Policy Forum - Lansing. Governor Snyder has begun a process to gather public input on Michigan's energy future. There is a website and there will be 7 public forums around the state. Governor Snyder will rely on the results of this process when making his comprehensive recommendations regarding Michigan's energy future in December 2013. Commenters are encouraged to submit their factual questions, information, reports, and suggestions on what information is needed to make good energy decisions.
Thursday, February 14, 1-5 p.m.
Library of Michigan, 702 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing
http://michigan.gov/energy/

Michigan Clean Energy Challenge. Come and experience and get familiar with the culmination of 6 months worth of venture building by 27 teams from 11 Universities across the state. Don Runkle, CEO, EcoMotors will keynote and attendees will also get to see the final four teams pitch. Over $100K in prize money will be distributed. The Challenge, now in its fifth year, trains student technologists how to transform their ideas for clean tech solutions into viable businesses.
Friday, February 15, noon-3:30 p.m.
U-M, Ross School of Business, Blau Auditorium, 701 Tappan Street, Ann Arbor
http://micevc.com/

Starting Your Own Business. At this forum you will learn about personality traits that impact entrepreneurialism, creating a marketing plan for your business, legal, accounting, and risk considerations, product development, business plans and financing options. You will have an opportunity to get advice from a variety of business experts and organizations that are available to support new ventures.
Friday, February 15, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
SPARK East, 215 W. Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti
http://www.annarborusa.org/events

Business Law & Order - Employment 1. The Business Law & Order Legal Series will give entrepreneurs insight into some of the most important legal issues they must consider during business formation. Some of these issues include: proper business structure, intellectual property protection, founders and key employee compensation, considerations regarding employees versus independent contractors, doing business overseas and commercial agreements.
Monday, February 18, 5-7 p.m.
SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Lower Level, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events

Micro Loan Program Information Session. Find out about Micro-Loan Programs with money to lend to start-up or existing businesses and what free resources are available to grow your business. Learn what is required to be eligible for these loans and how to apply. Discover how the SBTDC can assist you in developing realistic business and financial plans.
Tuesday, February 19, 6-7:30 p.m.
MI-SBTDC Capitol Region Office, Lansing Community College, Washington Court, Lansing
https://www.misbtdc.net/center.aspx?center=39080&subloc=0

Motor City Connect - 275. Join the business professionals of Motor City Connect for an effective and fun alternative to the traditional networking meeting. This is a chance for everyone to come face-to-face with other MCC members. MCC Live lunches are relaxed, casual and usually good for a few laughs. It's never a something you have to attend; it's an event you want to attend. No sixty-second commercials. No ten-minute speakers. This is just a chance to break bread together, meet new people, seek to understand their needs and connect on a new level.
Tuesday, February 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Brann's Steakhouse, 39715 Six Mile Road, Northville
http://motorcityconnect.groupsite.com/calendar/event/2013/2/19/38642

Best Shot Workshop. Best Shot is part of the "Reaching Your Target Market Workshops & Competitions." This workshop provides three important functions: reorganizes the entrepreneurial culture by giving increased importance to sales; provides a motivation for entrepreneurs to engage; and serves as the intake and screening for the best tech companies to directly aid in launching their first sales campaign. Attendees will learn to define the ideal customer; define the ideal sales and, or distribution channel(s) to reach that customer; and develop the pitch to close the sale.
Tuesday, February 19, 4-8 p.m.
MMIC, 2007 Austin Street, Midland
http://mmic.us/events/view7

Internet Marketing (two of three). GROW Business Basics Cluster classes throughout February will assist in the basics of marketing. This session will help in creating a plan to develop a website; looking at website development options; marketing on the internet and how to create key term searches including search engine optimization (SEO) and basic customer tracking.
Tuesday, February 19, 6-9 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Suite 210, Grand Rapids
http://businessbasics0113.eventbrite.com/

A2 NewTech Meetup. Five presenters this month take the stage for ten minutes each, five minutes to demo and five minutes to answer questions, followed by open announcements and community networking. E-mail organizers at a2newtech.org if you'd like to present!
Tuesday, February 19, 6:30-8 p.m.
Law School, South Hall, Room 1225, 701 S. State St., Ann Arbor
http://www.a2newtech.org/

Speaker Series - Terry O'Brien. The most successful entrepreneurs and renowned industry experts are invited to lead this engaging 90 minute educational series. MMIC members are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from authorities in relevant subject areas and to network with peers.
Tuesday, February 19, noon-1 p.m.
MMIC, 2007 Austin St., Midland
http://www.mmic.us/

Fundamentals of Marketing Your Business. This free course covers practical applications of marketing concepts designed to grow a small business. Market analysis and research, target marketing, and assessing competitors will be discussed. Several examples of effective hands-on marketing tools will also be reviewed.
Wednesday, February 20, 6-8 p.m.
MAREC Center, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon
www.MISBTDC.org/events

Class @ Start Garden - How to Present Like a Pro. This session is designed to equip you with the basic skills you need to know before your next presentation. Participants will learn how to refine your topic, how to best identify the needs of your audience, gather and organize your research and present it all in such a way to leave them wanting more. We will also talk about the appropriate use of visuals and how to polish your delivery skills.
Wednesday, February 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., First Floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

Start Smart. A business readiness course offered monthly. The Start Smart class focuses on the fundamentals of doing business. Once completed, Start Smart provides participants with the ability to understand what it takes to run their own business. Prerequisite: Intro to GROW.
Wednesday, February 20, 6-9 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Ste. 210, Grand Rapids
www.GROWbusiness.org

IMPACT 2013. The IMPACT business conference explores what it means to have IMPACT in today's business environment, how to take advantage of key resources for business growth, and how to connect with clients, colleagues and customers. IMPACT provides valuable opportunities to network with the leaders of Southeast Michigan's technology business community. Last year's event was attended by hundreds of business professionals from across the region, many at the management, senior management and leadership levels of their companies. Seventy-five percent of attendees were from the technology, manufacturing and professional services sectors.
Thursday, February 21, 1-7 p.m.
Sterling Inn Conference Center, 34911 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights
http://www.automationalley.com/a2_nws_eventcal?m=2&y=2013

New Enterprise Forum - Annual Awards Celebration. It's NEF's annual birthday party, where we celebrate "The Best of 2012" with awards to: our NEF Entrepreneur of the Year, Daniel R. Rhodes, co-founder and CEO of Compendia Bioscience; and (secret-until-show time) Showcase Presenters who were outstanding in their Presentation, Technology, or Business Model. Come party with NEF and hear from the winners what worked and why.
Thursday, February 21, 5-7:30 p.m.
Holiday Inn North Campus, 3600 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
http://www.newenterpriseforum.org/

Marketing I - Fundamentals of Marketing your Business. Take advantage of these Practical applications of marketing concepts designed to grow small businesses presented by SCORE of Ann Arbor.
Thursday, February 21, 6-8 p.m.
Cleary University, US-23 and Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor
http://annarborscore.com/events.html

Network Like a Superstar! Attend this Women's Exchange of Washtenaw speed networking event including lunch. In business, it's not just what you know, it's WHO you know. Back by popular demand, it's WXW's third speed-networking event. This time, WXW is teaming up with Women@Google to offer a whole new networking experience.
Thursday, February 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Google Ann Arbor, 201 S. Division St., 5th Floor, Ann Arbor
http://wxwbusiness.com/events/2012/speed-networking/

The Entrepreneur - Member Time. There will be a roundtable presentation revolving around "Invention Process". This monthly meeting includes networking, sharing and other membership values.
Thursday, February 21, 6-8 p.m.
MAREC, 200 Viridian Drive, Muskegon
http://www.muskegoninventorsnetwork.org/pdfs/2012-MIN-Schedule.pdf

Startup Weekend - E. Lansing. All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: anyone is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from their peers. Teams organically form around the top ideas (as determined by popular vote) and then it's a 54-hour frenzy of business model creation, coding, designing, and market validation. The weekends culminate with presentations in front of local entrepreneurial leaders with another opportunity for critical feedback.
Friday, February 22, 6:30 p.m.-Sunday, February 24, 9 p.m.
The Hatch, 325 E. Grand River Ave., Suite 345, E. Lansing
http://swlansing0213.eventbrite.com/

Lunch and Learn - Selling Strategies for Startups. Join us on February 22nd to hear Frst hand from a panel of successful entrepreneurs on how they identified, approached and acquired their first customers. Bring your own lunch.
Friday, February 22, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

2013 Green Light Business Model Competition. GLEQ is joining Spartan Innovations, MSU Federal Credit Union and other sponsors to bring the inaugural Greenlight Business Model Competition to East Lansing. If you are an entrepreneur with a business that has been in existence for one year or less this opportunity is open to you. The competition will culminate with a pitching competition and networking event showcasing the top submissions on March 13. Up to $50,000 in prizes will be awarded.
Friday, February 22, 5 p.m. Submissions due.
Watch for the event on Wednesday, March 13, 3-8 p.m.
Henry Center, 3535 Forest Road, E. Lansing
http://www.greenlightmichigan.com/

West Shore Inventor/Entrepreneur Network. This association brings together inventors, entrepreneurs and business professionals to network and learn how to turn ideas into marketable products. Your first meeting is free to attend.
Monday, February 25, 6-8 p.m.
West Shore Community College Schoenherr Campus Center, 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Room 751 in Scottville
www.wininventors.org

Michigan Energy Policy Forum - Grand Rapids. Governor Snyder has begun a process to gather public input on Michigan's energy future. There is a website and there will be 7 public forums around the state. Governor Snyder will rely on the results of this process when making his comprehensive recommendations regarding Michigan's energy future in December 2013. Commenters are encouraged to submit their factual questions, information, reports, and suggestions on what information is needed to make good energy decisions.
Monday, February 25, 1-5 p.m.
GVSU, Loosemore Auditorium, 401 Fulton W., Grand Rapids
http://michigan.gov/energy/

Motor City Connect - Royal Oak. Join the business professionals of Motor City Connect for an effective and fun alternative to the traditional networking meeting. This is a chance for everyone to come face-to-face with other MCC members. MCC Live lunches are relaxed, casual and usually good for a few laughs. It's never a something you have to attend; it's an event you want to attend. No sixty-second commercials. No ten-minute speakers. This is just a chance to break bread together, meet new people, seek to understand their needs and connect on a new level.
Tuesday, February 26, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tequilla Blue, 526 Main, Royal Oak
http://motorcityconnect.groupsite.com/calendar/event/2013/2/26/40865

Branding and Personal Selling (three of three). GROW Business Basics Cluster classes throughout February will assist in the basics of marketing. This session attendees will take a look at brand creation; differentiating a business; the difference between marketing and selling; sales basics.
Tuesday, February 26, 6-9 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Suite 210, Grand Rapids
http://businessbasics0113.eventbrite.com/

BOOST Gaylord. innovators and entrepreneurs compete for MidMichigan Innovation Center memberships, an opportunity to pitch directly to The BlueWater Angles and other valuable resources. Presenters have two minutes to ‘pitch' their product or service before a panel of judges with an effort to convince them of their ability to run the proposed venture.
Tuesday, February 26, 4-8 p.m.
Northwood University, 80 Livingston Blvd., Gaylord
http://mmic.us/events/view12

Hot Shots - Career Connections. Bring your resume, and come and mingle with growing, innovative companies in a fun and relaxed environment! This event is only for talent seeking opportunities for themselves.
Tuesday, February 26, 5-7 p.m.
Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington Street, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events

SBIR/STTR 101: Introduction and Overview. Attendees will learn SBIR/STTR program basics, including: program purpose, eligibility, sources of funding and tools for proposal development. It is designed to provide enough information for attendees to determine if they would like to seriously pursue a grant or contract proposal.
Wednesday, February 27, 9 a.m.-noon
BBCetc, 803 N. Main, Ann Arbor
http://www.bbcetc.com

Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certificate Orientation. Learn about the benefits and process of becoming a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE). Benefits include certification to private sector WBE's and access to procurement opportunities with major national companies.
Wednesday, February 27, 9-11 a.m.
Oakland County MI-SBTDC, Executive Office Building, Waterford
https://www.misbtdc.net/center.aspx?center=39094&subloc=0

Hire and Keep that Elusive "Ideal" Employee. This session will kick off our six-session series on Hiring and Keeping the Ideal Employee. Future topics will include writing a realistic job description, resources for recruiting, interviewing, onboarding and managing the generation gap in the workplace. Watch for dates to be announced.
Wednesday, February 27, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham Road, Troy
http://www.automationalley.com/a2_nws_eventcal?m=2&y=2013

Essentials of Commercialization Planning. Learn the basics of an SBIR/STTR commercialization plan. Includes information on the ingredients of a credible plan, pitfalls to avoid, using market research and building financial plans and business models.
Wednesday, February 27, 1-2 p.m.
WEBINAR
http://www.bbcetc.com/training/

Start Garden Happy Hour. This is an informal time to meet the Start Garden team, some of our funded projects and people in the ecosystem.
Thursday, February 28, 5:30-7 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

Defense Opportunities Seminar. Is your company looking to diversify into the defense industry? Are you interested in finding out about defense-related opportunities available to your company through your Automation Alley membership? This event will focus on procurement opportunities within the defense industry, and will provide many resources and featured speakers, including representatives from the Michigan Defense Center within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), as well as from the U.S. Army TACOM LCMC's Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP).
Thursday, February 28, 8:30 a.m.-noon
Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham, Troy
http://www.automationalley.com/a2_nws_eventcal?m=2&y=2013

Early March Events

2013 Green Light Business Model Competition. GLEQ is joining Spartan Innovations, MSU Federal Credit Union and other sponsors to bring the inaugural Greenlight Business Model Competition to East Lansing. If you are an entrepreneur with a business that has been in existence for one year or less this opportunity is open to you. The competition will culminate with a pitching competition and networking event showcasing the top submissions on March 13. Up to $50,000 in prizes will be awarded.
Wednesday, March 13, 3-8 p.m.
Henry Executive Center, 3535 Forest Road, Lansing
http://www.greenlightmichigan.com/