ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor SPARK is now taking applications for its eighth Entrepreneur Boot Camp to be held on November 2 and 3. Applications must be received by Oct. 9.

The Camp will be held at the Michigan Information Technology Center (MITC) in Ann Arbor.

“Ann Arbor SPARK’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp is an intensive business planning and preparation event designed to help early stage technology businesses increase their chances of attracting additional funding, finding resources and achieving success,” SPARK CEO Michael Finney.

“The unique combination of hands-on learning and one-on-one mentoring with business experts provides entrepreneurs with the knowledge to refine their business plans and achieve the next milestone on their road to success. Entrepreneur Boot Camp is one example of how Ann Arbor SPARK supports business acceleration and growth throughout the region.”

The Boot Camp has received acclaim for the success it has brought to past participants who have won several top honors in recent business plan competitions. Boot Camp graduates have won top awards in the Great Lakes Entrepreneurs Quest (GLEQ) and the top elevator pitch presentation at the Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship event in January 2006. Participating companies have raised more than $7 million.

Over the past two years more than 90 companies have been evaluated and referred to additional resources. Twelve companies have received business acceleration services. As part of these services, Ann Arbor SPARK offers Boot Camp winners several thousand dollars of professional consulting services, including finance, marketing and business development.

The cost for a two-person team is $995. Ann Arbor IT Zone members receive a reduced price of $795. The fee includes a binder of valuable reference materials, all meals and access to a post-Camp private discussion forum.

At the completion of Boot Camp, the participating teams will have the opportunity to present their company to an Investor Panel. The teams will be judged and the best opportunity will win initial funding of $5000 from the Ann Arbor SPARK.

For more information about the Entrepreneur Boot Camp, the pre-camp events and online resources, click on AnnArborSPARK.Org