NEW YORK - For the past two years, venture capitalists have been betting on social media start-ups with an enthusiasm reminiscent of the dot-com heyday. Now that the economic downturn has somewhat cooled early stage investing, some venture capitalists say there's no better time to take a longer-term view. So what's on the horizon? CNET
MANISTEE �?? A new angel investing group is forming in Manistee and Mason counties with the working name West Shore Angels. The group hosted two networking meetings in July attracting more than 50 potential investors. West Shore Angels is working closely with RAIN Source Capital, a St. Paul, Minnesota, based group that works with interested
ANN ARBOR - The Ann Arbor Angels, focused on investing in promising startups in the greater Ann Arbor region, is developing a new web site that the group hopes will better connect with entrepreneurs and investors. The group, supported by the Bank of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, and Ann Arbor SPARK, also are
ANN ARBOR - Great Lakes Entrepreneur's Quest will be hosting an open house with MichBio at their new headquarters in Ann Arbor on Aug. 21 and the public is encouraged to attend. GLEQ, which hosts the statewide business-plan competition, and MichBio, the state's life sciences trade association, share Suite 450 at 3520 Green Court. The
ANN ARBOR - The second Encore Career Forum convened by the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center and other partnering organizations on Aug. 22 will explore options for purpose-driven work in education, health care, nonprofits, small business and social entrepreneurship. Washtenaw Community College was one of 10 community colleges nation-wide, and the only one
GRAND RAPIDS - America's Small Business Development Center Network, at its 28th Annual Conference in September, will recognize Sienna Mavima as Michigan's Star Performer. The ASBDC's State Stars are SBDC employees exhibiting exemplary performance while making a significant contribution to their state SBDC program. This individual must also show a strong commitment to small business.
DETROIT - Start-ups are the single most important factor driving a state's economic success, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. The most recent studies dramatically show that the success or failure rates of small businesses have a profound impact on gross state product, state personal income levels, and total state employment.
ANN ARBOR ? Entrepreneur magazine has named the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, administered by Ann Arbor SPARK, as one of 2007's Top 100 Venture Capital Firms. The designation recognizes Ann Arbor SPARK's management of the collaborative Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund, and specifically, the Fund's investment in four equity deals in 2007. To date, 25 Michigan
TROY - Venture Forward, an intensive ten-week program that uses the FastTrac GrowthVenture learning system, is now accepting enrollments applications for the program that starts Sept. 12. The program, presented by the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, also includes MI-SBTDC counseling and research support to help entrepreneurs evaluate their business issues and opportunities,
DETROIT - For the third year, E2detroit, Southeast Michigan's premier event focused on small businesses, entrepreneurs and the companies that serve them, will again be hosted by Wayne State University on October 8. Created to unite forward-thinking entrepreneurs and innovators with key Michigan stakeholders, E2detroit represents a unique opportunity to revitalize Michigan's economy by strengthening