ANN ARBOR – The
concept of building great things appealed to my roots as a Michigander. For
generations the people of Michigan have engineered great automobiles and built
magnificent office furniture. It is exciting to see how this expertise in
product development is influencing a new era of technology development in the
Midwest.
I believe in
the innovation economy and in the promise that disruptive technology holds for
the future economic competitiveness of America. I believe in the leadership
role Michigan will play in this new economy, and I am really excited to be part
of the team that will bring a Patriot
Boot Camp event to Detroit October 23-25.
Patriot Boot
Camp is a program to bridge the gap between military service and the technology
sector so that military Veterans have an opportunity to create and build the
next generation of great American technology companies. The October event will
be the first time that a Patriot Boot Camp has been held in Michigan, and it is
a testament to the amazing work that has been done to nurture and grow the
technology sector around the state.
Since the
first Patriot Boot Camp in 2012, the program has been held 6 times and has
graduated more than 400 people. Those graduates have gone on to create
companies, build innovative products and raise over $31 million in capital.
The October
Patriot Boot Camp in Detroit will assemble a cohort of 50 military Veterans,
current service members and military spouses who are building technology
companies. These early stage entrepreneurs will spend 3-days in Michigan
receiving startup education from business leaders and meeting with mentors who
can help them refine their visions and grow their businesses.
If you are a military service
member, Veteran or spouse with a vision for launching a technology product or
service, we want you to join us in Detroit. The application period
for Patriot Boot Camp in Detroit, Michigan is now open! Applications will
be accepted through September 14 at midnight ET. Please contact us at info@patriotbootcamp.org if
you need assistance or have questions. Click here to apply!
If you are a professional with
experience in business, product development, finance or startups, please
consider volunteering as a presenter, mentor or sponsor. Please contact
us at info@patriotbootcamp.orgto
get involved.
By Sean Maday, Program Director of Patriot Boot Camp, was born and raised in
Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University before joining the United
States Air Force.
This story was published in the Michigan Venture Capital Association eNewsletter. For more information, click on www.michiganvca.org
