MIDLAND – Local startup consultant Caryn Shick of Opportunity Analysts is teaming up with Midland Tomorrow, the MidMichigan Innovation Center, Northwood University-Alden B. Dow Creativity Center, and an array of young entrepreneurs from all over the country to bring to mid-Michigan a series of three conferences that will guide those participating through the start-up process and help them launch their dream businesses.
The program, called “incuba8” (and pronounced “incubate”) is designed for those under age 30, but welcomes entrepreneurial spirits of any age.
“We have so many resources in our area, and experts ready to help. My desire with this year’s pilot of incuba8 is to share with other young entrepreneurs and make a difference right here in mid-Michigan. Thanks to generous support from our sponsors and partners, we’ve kept participant costs very low – most free or by donation only – so we can inspire more people to get involved. It’s all about networking,” said program lead local entrepreneur Caryn Shick incuba8 program director and president & CEO of Opportunity Analysts.
Participants are asked to pre-register to help the organizers plan for the group, and the the web site
gives those interested a full scope of programs, speakers, sponsors, attendee profiles and more. The site offers insights on “Which Event is Right for You?” as well as biographies of the speakers, self-posted profiles of attendees, and easy online registration.
The programs include:
Area Innovation Showcase
August 10, Alden B. Dow Creativity Center, Midland.
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.
Concept Crafting Boot Camp
August 10-12, 10:15-11:30 a.m., 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).
Entrepreneurial and Social Entrepreneurial Meetup
August 12, 7 p.m., 2470 E NewCastle Ln, Midland
A networking event creating connections among smart, driven people from all walks of life to build a better community and world together. Suggested donation: $5
MidMichigan Innovators Speaker Series Event:
Alex Lindahl, Co-Founder of College Mogul
August 13, 4:30 p.m., Northwood University’s Sloan Building, Midland, MI
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.
Business Launch Weekend
August 13-15, Northwood University’s Sloan Building, 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.
Participant Presentations
August 16, Northwood University’s Sloan Building, Midland, MI
Come hear what has happened over the week at incuba8 by attending our Community Presentation Day. Participants will present their concepts, progress made, and future plans.
Business Setup Conference
August 18, 8 a.m.-7 p.m., MidMichigan 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
Registrations are coming in daily and those signing up have the unique opportunity to “meet” each other early through a “Who’s Attending” section on the incuba8.com Web site. This will encourage active participation, networking and building of support for each other, explains Shick.
Tim Wells, a consultant and entrepreneur from Ft. Meyers, Florida, will be participating as a virtual attending, using “UStream.” Wells is looking for legal contract expertise, and financial accounting set up advice.
For another attendee, Tyler Parafinik, the chance to gain support and knowledge is just what he is looking for. “I decided to commit instead of just talk about “someday” building that business. The time is now and incuba8 is just what I need to make my concept a reality,” Parafinik said.
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