January Business Events

Many folks seem to have learning, networking and "growing my business" on their new years resolutions. This list can help you achieve all of those. Thanks to Diane Durance of GLEQ for compiling.ACE'14 - Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship, January 30

Join our forward-thinking community of entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders from around the Great Lakes Region to network, learn and connect.

Entrepreneurs - Display Table and Pitch Competition Registration
Register now for a display table and a chance to be selected for the ACE'14 Elevator Pitch Competition, a fast-paced program with six entrepreneurs presenting three-minute pitches to win awards and services. ACE'14 showcases ventures that are technology oriented, web based or intellectual property centric and looking for investment.
Thursday, January 21, exhibit table registration deadline
http://ace-event.org/exhibitors-2/

Attendance Registration
Attend ACE'14 and hear leading experts, watch the elevator pitch and 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 30, 2-8 p.m.
Burton Manor Conference Center, Livonia
http://www.ace-event.org/

First Quarter 2014 Highlights

Three Largest SBIR Contracting Agencies Solicitation Deadlines. The three largest SBIR contracting agencies (NASA, DoD and DHS) have SBIR solicitations open this month. For those agencies that use a contract mechanism for their SBIR/STTR programs, rather than a grant mechanism (like NSF or NIH), this means you must be strategic in your planning and proposal preparation.
Wednesday, January 22, 6 a.m., Department of Defense, Deadline
Wednesday, January 22, 2 p.m., Department of Health and Sciences, Deadline
Wednesday, January 29, 5 p.m., National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Deadline
http://www.BBCetc.com

Fourteenth Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship - ACE'14. Attend ACE'14 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 30, 2-8 p.m.
Burton Manor Conference Center, Livonia
http://www.ace-event.org/

Michigan's Food & Agriculture Border Gateway Summit III. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), the Canadian Consulate, and the Global Food Protection Institute (GFPI) will host a one-day seminar focusing on international border issues facing the food and agriculture sector. At this summit, attendees will hear from U.S. and Canadian businesses and agencies involved with various components of producing, selling, transporting, and protecting food and agriculture.
Thursday, February 20, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Schoolcraft Community College, Vista Tech Center, 18600 Haggerty Rd., Livonia
http://www.gfpi.org/upcoming-events

Entrepreneur YOU - Save the Date. The Third Annual Women's Entrepreneurship Conference will be held at Walsh College Troy Campus featuring exciting keynote speakers and competition pitching competition. Stay tuned for more details.
Thursday, March 6, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
https://wwws.walshcollege.edu/WalshInstitute/CorpEvents.aspx

2013 Green Light Business Model Competition. GLEQ is joining Spartan Innovations, MSU Federal Credit Union and other sponsors to bring the Greenlight Business Model Competition to East Lansing for a second gathering. 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 companies on March 26. Up to $50,000 in prizes will be awarded.
Friday, March 14, 11:59 p.m. Submissions due.
http://www.greenlightmichigan.com/

January 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 (MISBDC). The MI-SBDC 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, Venture Plan Workshops (excellent way to get the support you need over a 6 to 10 week program), Managing a Business, Managing Employees, Marketing and Sales, Taxes, and Technology. The GLEQ calendar will highlight select events offered, but many more are available.
January 1-31
http://www.misbtdc.net

Intro to GROW. Intro to GROW is the required first step for anyone eager to learn how to start or expand their small business. Get an overview of our programs and services, meet the staff, and watch our graduates describe their experiences in our inspirational video!
Thursday, January 2, Noon-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Boulevard, Suite 210, Grand Rapids.
www.GROWBusiness.org

Motor City Connect - Lakes Area. 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. No sixty-second commercials. No ten-minute speakers.
Tuesday, January 7, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sharks Club, 6665 Highland Road, Waterford
http://motorcityconnect.groupsite.com

GROW - Business Basics Cluster. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women presents this cluster of 3 workshops to assist business owners in understanding essential components of small business basics. This cluster of workshops includes Strategic Planning (1/7) and Taxes and Legal Sessions (1/14 and 1/21).
Tuesdays, January 7, 14 and 21 6-9 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Boulevard, Suite 210, Grand Rapids.
www.GROWbusiness.org

Best Shot Workshop. Any entrepreneur, small business owner or innovator at any stage will benefit from this sales crash-course. An interactive overview will be provided by MMIC. In this session attendees will be better able to identify the target market for their product or service and define the ideal distribution channel/s.
Tuesday, January 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
NW Michigan Works, 1209 S. Garfield, Traverse City
https://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx

LA2M - Terry Bean and Charlie Wolborg on goal setting. In their talk titled "How to use your brains, heart and talent to achieve your goals and flourish in the relationship economy and/or zombie apocalypse", this duo will be entertaining and start the year off right. LA2M kicks off the year with this goal setting talk. All luncheon items only $10 and the event always concludes on time.
Wednesday, January 8, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's, 318 South Main Street, Ann Arbor
http://www.la2m.org/

Green Lakes Green Chemistry Network - Bill Walsh. Attend this webinar to hear more from Bill Walsh, Executive Director of Healthy Building Network. He will present his thinking on New Opportunities for Green Chemistry In the Building Products Industry.
Wednesday, January 8, 3-4 p.m.
WEBINAR
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/366966888

Class @ Start Garden - How is Your Mental Game? Whether you're on track already, or can't even see the track, strengthening your mental game will positively impact the success of your business...and it doesn't matter if you're at the idea stage or in full swing. Join in if you want to learn some practical tools and strategies to: get unstuck, unlock your potential, and figure out the best steps forward, learn how to make the right decisions to produce the results you want, and/or build your capacity to make change, despite the obstacles and fears you face.
Wednesday, January 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis NW, Grand Rapids
http://www.StartGarden.com

SBIR/STTR 101: Introduction and Overview. This half-day class helps small, technology entrepreneurs and businesses assess their eligibility to receive R&D funding through the government's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Wednesday, January 8, 9 a.m.-noon
TechTown, 440 Burroughs St., Detroit
http://www.BBCetc.com

Selling Smart Workshop - Everything you ever wanted to know about sales, but were afraid to ask. A panel from a wide range of business models will be assembled to answer questions, give advice and help you solve your biggest sales challenges. Please submit your questions to be answered by the panel of experts during registration or to alissa@annarborusa.org after registration has ended for this once a year practical open sales forum.
Wednesday, January 8, 9-11 a.m.
SPARK Central, Lower Level, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events/month/2014-01

CEED Microloan Orientation - Farmington Hills. 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 for and obtain a microloan.
Wednesday, January 8, 9-11 a.m.
Farmington Hills City Hall, Community Room, 31555 W. 11 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills
https://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx

Innovation Club for Entrepreneurs Meetup. Join ICE to continue their Open Idea Discussion. Join the ICE group on the 2nd Wednesday each month for a varying topic discussion and bring a friend.
Wednesday, January 8, 6-8 p.m.
The MARC, 4675 Okemos Road, Okemos
http://www.meetup.com/ICE-meetup

Medical Devices East - Companies, Technologies & Societal Cost. The MIT Enterprise Forum presents: four Michigan companies and a medical ethicist talking about new medical devices and DNA-based medicines; why they'll change our world; and the choices we are / will be making. Audience Q&A to follow.
Wednesday, January 8, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Menlo Innovations, Lower Level (FedEx Building), 505 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor
www.mitefgreatlakes.org

Medical Devices West - Companies, Technologies & Societal Cost. The MIT Enterprise Forum presents: four Michigan companies and a medical ethicist talking about new medical devices and DNA-based medicines; why they'll change our world; and the choices we are / will be making. Audience Q&A to follow.
Wednesday, January 8, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
GR Current, Cook-DeVos Ctr 2nd Floor Auditorium, 301 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids
www.mitefgreatlakes.org

Sprout Lab. Sprout Lab is focused on dirt, wind, water, plant growth, and solving agribusiness problems. In this 3-day workshop, you will have the guidance and opportunity to clarify your concept and discover next steps to launch successfully in the marketplace.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, January 8-10, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Rd., University Center
http://sproutlab.org/register.html

Lunch & Launch - Export Series. Hear from Joseph Gustavus from Miller Canfield on topic discussion entitled "Market Entrance - Establishment of Local Sales Agency Relationships." Bring your own brown-bag lunch.
Thursday, January 9, noon-1 p.m.
Macomb-OU INCubator @ Velocity, 6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights
MacINC@Oakland.edu

Intro to GROW. Intro to GROW is the required first step for anyone eager to learn how to start or expand their small business. Get an overview of our programs and services, meet the staff, and watch our graduates describe their experiences in our inspirational video!
Thursday, January 9, Noon-1 p.m. and 6-7 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Boulevard, Suite 210, Grand Rapids.
www.GROWBusiness.org

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, January 9, 5:30-7 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

Open Office Hours - Chat with Charlie @ TechTown. Are you an entrepreneur working on a technology-based or web-enabled business? Do you want to get an expert's opinion on your big idea, or are you seeking direction on how to secure funding, line up resources, make connections or more?
Thursday, January 9, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
TechTown, 440 Burroughs St., Detroit
http://techtowndetroit.eventbrite.com/
D-NewTech New Year Event @ Bamboo Detroit. Four presenters this month (RoboTeleCop, Endless Crowds, Social Sushi and TeamSpots. take the stage for ten minutes each, five minutes to demo and five minutes to answer questions, followed by open announcements and community networking. Guest speaker: Martin Dober, Invest Detroit VP.
Thursday, January 9, 6-8 p.m.
Bamboo Detroit, 1442 Brush Street, Detroit
http://www.meetup.com/DNewTech/events/152091382/

Inventors' Council of Mid Michigan Monthly Meeting. Bring your questions and get some help with the next part of your journey of inventing. You'll have networking time, hear others stories of success and enjoy good food and a beverage beforehand.
Thursday, January 9, 7-9 p.m.
Walli's Restaurant and Banquet Center, 1341 S. Center Road, Burton
http://www.inventorscouncil.org/

Detroit Tech Startup Match Up. Automation Alley is partnering with Grand Circus and Bizdom to sponsor and co-host Detroit Tech Startup Match Up, a speed networking-style event aimed at matching local technology startup companies with talented job seekers. Each speed meeting lasts four minutes between startup founders and talented people looking to join a startup team. Participants may bring a laptop or tablet to share details about their startup or examples of design and development work.
Thursday, January 9, 6-8:30 p.m.
Grand Circus, 1570 Woodward Ave., Detroit
http://bit.ly/1hL0zIt

SmartStart. Registration is now open for the next round of SmartStart, an entrepreneur coaching program that helps participants hone the skills needed to create, manage and grow a successful business. The five-week program meets at the Lakeshore Center. SmartStart combines facilitator-guided sessions, small group exercises, guest speakers and idea sharing with peers.
Thursdays, January 9-February 6, 5-7 p.m.
MTec SmartZone, 600 E. Lakeshore Dr., Houghton
http://mtecsz.com/?q=node/111

The Connected Autonomous Vehicle - MIBB. The Michigan Israel Business Bridge presents its first Networking program for 2014. Join in and learn about this exciting emerging market with Udi Naamani, CEO of Fusepoint Solutions and past Director of the Connected Vehicle Proving Center at the University of Michigan, Luke Bonner, VP of Business Development at Willow Run and Mark Zachos, President of DG Technologies.
Thursday, January 9, 7-9 p.m.
DG Technologies, 33604 W. Eight Mile Road, Farmington Hills
http://bit.ly/mibb-Jan2014

Personalized Medicine and the Debate Over Natural Phenomena. You are invited to join in MichBio and other sponsors as we discuss the impact of these legal cases on the patentability of research, as well as the changes in the regulatory environment for diagnostics and potential impact on biomedical innovation.
Thursday, January 9, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
U-M Medical School, Seminar Rooms, BSRB, Ann Arbor
https://umichumhs.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bkpcYluatwdzr37

Lunch and Learn - Visual Communication. What is the value of communicating visually and why should we take notice? Visual communication is a universal language. Experts will hsare their perspective and guide you through a few exercises to become more visually astute.
Friday, January 10, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

New Enterprise Forum Pitch Pit. Vet your business idea in front of an expert panel and an encouraging audience. If selected, you and three other entrepreneurs will each give a four-minute pitch about their startup business ideas to a panel of seasoned judges. The four-minute presentation should explain the business and why customers will buy your product or service. Get constructive feedback in what steps to consider in moving your business idea forward. Those selected will pitch in a breakout session from 4-5 p.m. at the ACE'14 event on January 30.
Friday, January 10, midnight, Application Deadline
https://www.messageblocks.com/pitch-pit

Class @ Start Garden - Business Plan Overview. In order to compete in today's economic climate, having a business plan that is professional and to the point is a key factor in gaining investors and respect from other professionals. This Class is offered as part of the College Business Plan Competition the MWest Challenge, Start Garden Members and the general public are welcome.
Monday, January 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

77th Annual JAMA Dinner. The Jackson Area Manaufacturer's Association presents it's annual dinner with keynote speaker Rich Sheridan, CEO and Co-Founder of Menlo Innovations and author of Joy, Inc: How We Built a Workplace People Love.
Monday, January 13, 5:30-9 p.m.
The Country Club of Jackson, 3135 Horton Road, Jackson
www.jacksonjama.org

EISEM - Energy Storage Solutions. A fine-tuned elevator pitch can open the door to funding and key partnerships for entrepreneurs. Perfecting that pitch takes practice and often some advice from experts and other experienced entrepreneurs. Watch up-and-coming entrepreneurs present their business plans, and then join in the discussion at the Entrepreneurial Initiative of Southeast Michigan (EISEM) Entrepreneur's Forum.
Tuesday, January 14, 8-11 a.m.
Automation Alley, 2675 Bellingham, Troy
http://www.automationalley.com/a2_nws_eventcal?m=1&y=2014

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. No sixty-second commercials. No ten-minute speakers.
Tuesday, January 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
BD's Mongolian BBQ, 43155 Main Street, Novi
http://motorcityconnect.groupsite.com

Marketing Roundtable - January Jump Start. In order to make 2014 a break through milestone for your business or venture, get started with marketing tips from the mentors of the Marketing Roundtable.
Tuesday, January 14, 5-7 p.m.
SPARK Central, Lower Level, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events/month/2014-01

GROW - Business Basics Cluster. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women presents this cluster of 3 workshops to assist business owners in understanding essential components of small business basics. This cluster of workshops includes Strategic Planning (1/7) and Taxes and Legal Sessions (1/14 and 1/21).
Tuesdays, January 14 and 21, 6-9 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Boulevard, Suite 210, Grand Rapids.
www.GROWbusiness.org

Balancing Breakthrough Model - Testing Desirability, Feasibility and Viability. Join in this regularly scheduled class to learn more about the Balance Breakthrough Model first introduced by management guru Peter Drucker.
Tuesday, January 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Start Garden, First Floor, 50 Louis Ave., Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

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, January 14, 8-9:30 a.m.
SPARK Central, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events

Family Business Counseling. The Grand Rapids Inventors Network (GRIN) presents this monthly meeting, January's topic title "Bad Boys Club - Experts that Built Thriving Businesses in tough times".
Tuesday, January 14, 6-8 p.m.
GVSU, Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, 301 Michigan St. NE, Room 119, Grand Rapids
http://grinventors.org/schedule.html

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, January 15, 6-9 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Blvd SE, Ste. 210, Grand Rapids
www.GROWbusiness.org

Bioeconomony Institute Speaker Series - Michael Werner. Mike Werner is a chemist, engineer, and sustainability strategist with Haworth, a global office furniture manufacturer. Having decided to give up the life of a pharmaceutical chemist, he has been dedicated to eliminating toxic chemicals from consumer products instead of creating them. Hear more from Michael in his talk entitled "Green Chemistry and Sustainable Product Design".
Wednesday, January 15, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
MSU Bioeconomy Institute Auditorium, 242 Howard St., Holland
http://bit.ly/1dRioQJ

Social Media Conflict Survival Skills. Whether your own reputation is at the top of your mind or you manage the reputation of a brand, knowing how to maintain and even enhance those reputations in the face of crisis is a skill needed in today's mile-a-minute world. Diving deep into social media and how reputations in this 'world' are up against a whole new set of challenges, students in this seminar will leave well-armed in maintaining and protecting the reputations they have worked hard to create.
Wednesday, January 15, 6-9 p.m.
Grand Circus, 1570 Woodward, Detroit
http://grandcircus.co/seminars/social-media-conflict-survival-skills

Best Shot Workshop. Any entrepreneur, small business owner or innovator at any stage will benefit from this sales crash-course. An interactive overview will be provided by MMIC. In this session attendees will be better able to identify the target market for their product or service and define the ideal distribution channel/s.
Wednesday, January 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Delta College Planetarium, 100 Center Ave., Bay City
https://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx

LA2M - Real Life Experiences and Connections to Brands. Come and enjoy this week's guest speaker, Ben Bator of Texts From Last Night as he explores a bit about adventure and how real-life experiences foster deeper connections to brands, activities, and each other.
Wednesday, January 15, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's (Celtic Room), 318 S. Main, Ann Arbor
http://www.la2m.org/

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, January 15, 5:30-7 p.m.
Start Garden, First Floor, 50 Louis Ave., Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

Bootstrappers Breakfast. Bootstrappers Breakfasts® are for founders of early stage technology startups. It is a chance to compare notes on operational, development, and business issues with peers. These breakfasts were designed for entrepreneurs to share ideas and leverage thoughts with other folks who are serious about growing their business. The focus is on issues for growing a business, not on VC fundraising.
Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bizdom, 1528 Woodward Ave., Detroit
http://www.meetup.com/Bootstrappers-Breakfast-Detroit/

Lifehack to Health, Wealth and Happiness. Join the Women's Exchange of Washtenaw (WXW) to hear more about Lifehacking, tricks, shortcuts, skills and novelty methods to increase productivity and efficiency. You'll walk away with 30 plus tips to live a better life in 2014.
Thursday, January 16, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
WCC, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor
http://bit.ly/19zgl6V

Building a Lean High Quality Team for Your Startup. This session will discuss how to use sub-contractors to fill out your team, how to discuss the current and future build out of your management team, and how to use Advisory Boards and Technical Advisers to strengthen your company.
Thursday, January 16, 1-2:15 p.m.
WEBINAR
http://www.BBCetc.com

Lunch & Launch - Export Series. Hear from Joseph Gustavus from Miller Canfield on topic discussion entitled "Market Entrance - Establishment of Local Sales Agency Relationships." Bring your own brown-bag lunch.
Thursday, January 16, noon-1 p.m.
Macomb-OU INCubator @ Velocity, 6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights
MacINC@Oakland.edu

Social Media for Small Businesses. Learn the basics and etiquette of social networking for your small business. Content will include how to leverage social networks to help grow your business while reducing your marketing costs. Benefits, disadvantages and tricks of the major social networks (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn) will be discussed.
Thursday, January 16, 6-8 p.m.
Cleary University, NW corner of US-23 and Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor
http://annarborscore.com/events.html

Starting Your Own Business. Looking to start a business? Join Ann Arbor SPARK and their community partners to 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. Attendees have an opportunity to get advice from a variety of business experts and organizations that are available to support new ventures.
Friday, January 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
SPARK East, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
http://www.annarborusa.org/events/month/2014-01

Startup Legal Fun. Startup law might be the most boring class you'll ever take - but it will definitely be the most important. This two-part seminar will cover the key legal issues any first-time entrepreneur should understand before starting a technology-based business. Areas of focus include understanding key formation and management issues, how to minimize legal risk, and how to select and manage a lawyer.
Monday, January 20, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Grand Circus, 1570 Woodward, Detroit
http://grandcircus.co/seminars/startup-legal-fun

Best Shot Competition. Ten pre-selected participants will have four minutes and one slide to identify their ideal customer and sales channel, and deliver their sales pitch(think mini infomercial) for a panel of judges. The judges will ask questions and give constructive feedback. One winner will receive prizes donated by successful area businesses, including web development services, marketing assistance, legal consultation and mentoring.
Tuesday, January 21, 5-8 p.m.
The Business Atlas, NMC Aero Park Campus, Parsons-Stulen Building, Traverse City
https://www.misbtdc.net/events.aspx

Motor City Connect Live - Utica. 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. No sixty-second commercials. No ten-minute speakers.
Tuesday, January 21, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Red Ox Tavern, 45411 Park Ave., Utica
http://motorcityconnect.groupsite.com

GROW - Business Basics Cluster. Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women presents this cluster of 3 workshops to assist business owners in understanding essential components of small business basics. This cluster of workshops includes Strategic Planning (1/7) and Taxes and Legal Sessions (1/14 and 1/21).
Tuesdays, January 21, 6-9 p.m.
GROW, 25 Sheldon Boulevard, Suite 210, Grand Rapids.
www.GROWbusiness.org

Five Hidden Barriers to Performance. Join in and learn how you can help your team overcome obstacles and achieve breakthroughs to improve overall performance.
Tuesday, January 21, 6-8 p.m.
300 S. Maple Road, Ann Arbor
http://www.abwa-maia.org

Innovator's Spotlight Featuring Catherine Wolpert. Come join in for a brown bag lunch and a sharing from Catherine Wolpert on her journey through innovation. Refreshments and lively conversation provided.
Tuesday, January 21, noon-1 p.m.
MidMichigan Innovation Center, 2007 Austin St., Midland
http://222.mmic.us

Junction440. Entrepreneurs are invited to join in for a fun evening of drinks and throwback party games at the official open house for Detroit's newest co-working space, Junction440. Feel free to roam the floor and explore our co-working options as you enjoy a drink and learn more about this new, collaborative space!
Tuesday, January 21, 6-9 p.m.
TechTown, 440 Burroughs St., Detroit
http://www.eventbrite.com/o/techtown-detroit-2269227171

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, January 21, 6:30-8 p.m.
Law School, South Hall, Room 1225, 701 S. State St., Ann Arbor
http://bit.ly/JFWaHZ

Business Start-up - The Essentials. This is Detroit SCORE's introductory workshop. The workshop will start by discussing your concept and a short self-evaluation. The workshop will also cover legal entities - both For-Profit and Not-For-Profit. The essentials include a management section on how to build your management and support team. The final section is a discussion of your financial responsibilities and financing resources for start-ups.
Wednesday, January 22, 8:45 a.m.-noon
Michigan First Credit Union, 27000 Evergreen Rd., Lathrup Village http://detroit.score.org/localworkshops

Open Office Hours - Chat with Charlie @ TechTown. Are you an entrepreneur working on a technology-based or web-enabled business? Do you want to get an expert's opinion on your big idea, or are you seeking direction on how to secure funding, line up resources, make connections or more?
Wednesday, January 22, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
TechTown, 440 Burroughs St., Detroit
http://techtowndetroit.eventbrite.com/

LA2M - Using Facebook Ads Successfully. Come and enjoy this week's guest speaker, David Murry of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as he shares more about what strategies he has used and his journey to be successful.
Wednesday, January 22, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's (Celtic Room), 318 S. Main, Ann Arbor
http://www.la2m.org/

Class @ Start Garden - Search Engine Optimization. Ever find yourself saying: "I want to rank better in Google." Come hear the insider tips on what works, and straight talk with a plan for success to drive more traffic to your startup's website through organic search. This class is for technical and non-technical alike, giving you a broad understanding of the basic concepts and a deep dive into how to really win at SEO.
Wednesday, January 22, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

Lunch & Launch - Export Series. Hear from Joseph Custavus of Miller Canfield on this discussion topic "Market Entrance - Establishment of a Subsidiary". Bring your own brown bag lunch.
Thursday, January 23, noon-1 p.m.
Macomb-OU INCubator @ Velocity, 6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights
MacINC@Oakland.edu

Best Shot Workshop. Any entrepreneur, small business owner or innovator at any stage will benefit from this sales crash-course. An interactive overview will be provided by MMIC. In this session attendees will be better able to identify the target market for their product or service and define the ideal distribution channel/s.
Thursday, January 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
SPARK East, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
http://www.mmic.us/event-list/

Community Roundtable - The Ecosystem of an Impact Economy. Join in for this regularly scheduled Community Roundtable where we discover the intersection of community capital, local investing, impact investing, and social entrepreneurship. Learn, engage, discuss.
Monday, January 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
SPARK East, 215 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti
http://bit.ly/19E2eri

West Shore Inventor/Entrepreneur Network Monthly Meeting. The West Shore Inventor/Entrepreneur Network (WIN) provides guidance in the areas of intellectual property development and protection, business planning, financial assistance and marketing strategies. The network offers these services at regular monthly meetings at no charge to members who pay a small annual membership fee.
Monday, January 27, 6-8 p.m.
West Shore Community College, Schoenherr Campus Center, 3000 N. Stiles, Room 751, Scottville
http://www.wininventors.org

Banks and Your Company's Growth. Join River Valley Bank VP Bank Manager Brian Donnelly, and Community Bank President Bob DuPont as they educate you on the role a bank plays in your company's growth, and how you can prepare. Learn about personal credit scoring, borrowing fundamentals, business plan reviews, and SBA lending!
Tuesday, January 28, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
MTec SmartZone, 600 E. Lakeshore Dr., Houghton
http://www.mtecsz.com/?q=node/387

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. No sixty-second commercials. No ten-minute speakers.
Tuesday, January 28, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
BDs Mongolian Grill, 430 S. Main, Royal Oak
http://motorcityconnect.groupsite.com

GROW - Regular Checkups for Good Business Health. Look at simple steps you can take to monitor the financial health of your business, and get tips to keep it healthy and growing. Examine why steady cash flow is the lifeblood of your business; why well-documented processes/procedures provide a strong skeleton for growth; how you can better feed growth with a formal sales plan. Finally, we'll explain how to use financial statements to monitor business health.
Tuesday, January 28, 6-9 p.m.
Malarky's, 3210 Deposit Drive, Grand Rapids
www.GROWBusiness.org

Careers Over Coffee - Hot Shots. Join Ann Arbor SPARK and local area businesses for a morning of casual career connections over coffee. Employers will be on hand looking to hire qualified candidates, like you! Bring your resume, and come and mingle with growing, innovative companies in a relaxed environment.
Tuesday, January 28, 7:30-9 a.m.
Mighty Good Coffee, 217 N. Main St., Ann Arbor
http://www.annarborusa.org/events/month/2014-01

Class @ Start Garden - Conversion Optimization. How do you determine if your idea for a new product or service is a vision of the future that will propel your dreams forward or a hellish hallucination that will lead you into a quagmire? The customer discovery process can answer this question quickly and efficiently. John Farris of GVSU will assist attendees to understand how to approach customer discovery specifically for their businesses.
Wednesday January 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Start Garden, First Floor, 50 Louis Ave., Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

Commercialize Your Technology. Do you have a technology that you think has commercial potential? If so, you will want to know what options are available to you, and you will need the funding to get there. This class will provide you with a high-level view of alternative avenues for commercialization and how federal funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs can be a valuable part of the process. Program essentials, such as purpose, eligibility, sources of funding, etc., will be covered.
Wednesday, January 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
SPARK Central, Lower Level, 330 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor
http://www.BBCetc.com

Wednesday, January 29, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.
Conor O'Neill's (Celtic Room), 318 S. Main, Ann Arbor
http://www.la2m.org/

Lunch & Launch - Export Series. Hear from Joseph Gustavus of Miller Canfield on this discussion topic "Market Entrance - Establishment of a Subsidiary". Bring your own brown bag lunch.
Thursday, January 30, noon-1 p.m.
Macomb-OU INCubator @ Velocity, 6633 18 Mile Road, Sterling Heights
MacINC@Oakland.edu

ACE'14 - Fourteenth Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship. Attend ACE'14 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 30, 2-8 p.m.
Burton Manor Conference Center, Livonia
http://www.ace-event.org/

Essentials of Effective SBIR/STTR Commercialization Plans. This session will discuss the expectations that various agencies have for your commercialization plans in your Phase I and Phase II projects, where to find cost effective market research resources, what quality "support & commitment letters" are, and what the level of required content is for various agencies.
Thursday, January 30, 1-2:15 p.m.
WEBINAR
http://www.BBCetc.com

Business Start-up - Marketing and Social Media. This workshop shows you how to set up an effective marketing program. The SCORE Detroit Chapter experts use the FOUR C's as a discussion guide to develop a strong program - Company, Capabilities, Customers and Competitors. The workshop will finish with a primer on the internet and social media.
Thursday, November 7, 8:45 a.m.-noon
Michigan First Credit Union, 27000 Evergreen Rd., Lathrup Village
http://detroit.score.org/localworkshops

Lunch & Learn - PR for Startups. Join in to hear from experts who will share experience, advice and lessons from their profession. Bring your own lunch.
Friday, January 31, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Start Garden, 50 Louis Ave., 1st floor, Grand Rapids
www.StartGarden.com

Market Research Workshop. Learn to use print and electronic library resources to do market research for your business, including potential customers and competitors, as well as business-to-business marketing.
Friday, January 31, 1-4 p.m.
WCC Bailey Library, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor
http://www.wccnet.edu/resources/library/market_research_workshop.php