SPARK Event Descriptions
In addition to our monthly series events, talent events and entrepreneurial education, SPARK holds a variety of special and collaborative events that range in topic and can also feature special guests. Some highlights include the Annual FastTrack Awards and joint event with New Enterprise Forum. We also collaborate on many events throughout the year including AnnArbor.com's Deals of the Year and Economic Outlook Luncheon.
BioArbor hosts educational networking events for the life sciences industry in the greater Ann Arbor area. BioArbor’s focus covers technology commercialization, financing strategies, business development, regulatory affairs and marketing. Each monthly meeting features a networking session and an invited speaker, followed by a Q&A period. Invited speakers share experience on topics such as drug discovery & development, medical devices, diagnostics and tools. BioArbor events are open to the public and are especially suited for those interested in starting or growing life science businesses. Events are usually held on the second Wednesday of each month at SPARK Central.
www.BioArbor.com
The Cantillon eCourse is a comprehensive training resource for technology entrepreneurs at any stage of business development. Whether you are engaged in pre-launch planning or are working to achieve your first $50 million in annual revenue, Cantillon is a learning experience that will lay an invaluable foundation for your business and enable you to respond quickly and wisely to the ever-changing marketplace.
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Entrepreneur Boot Camp is a two-day intensive program that helps you identify critical issues for your business plan. You'll get instructive feedback and advice about your business model, management team, competitive positioning, market strategy and other key elements that determine if a start-up will succeed or fail. Based on advice received during camp, former Boot Campers have gone on to win business plan competitions, secured funding, improved their business model, and got connected to advisors and other key talent.
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Entrepreneur Education 1.0 – Launch
The Entrepreneur Education 1.0 series is designed for innovation- based entrepreneurs that are in the process of launching their company. EE 1.0 is held at SPARK Central. Check the event calendar for dates.
Entrepreneur Education 2.0 – Grow
The Entrepreneur Education 2.0 series is designed for innovation-based entrepreneurs that are in the process of accelerating the growth of their company. EE 2.0 is held at SPARK Central. Check the event calendar for dates.
FastTrack is an exciting annual program sponsored by Ann Arbor SPARK recognizing companies in Washtenaw County for outstanding business success.
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Hot Shots is an event for talent seeking opportunities for themselves. Attendees should bring their resume, and come and mingle with growing, innovative companies in a fun and relaxed environment! Recruiters and staffing companies should use other venues to meet with these company representatives. Hot Shots events are held monthly at Melange.
The Marketing Roundtable is a ten-session monthly series featuring regional marketing professionals who will discuss practical and cost-effective innovation marketing. Program topics range from brand strategy to social media, and from financial accountability to guerrilla marketing. The Marketing Roundtable is held the second Tuesday of the month (except July and August) at SPARK Central.
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This is a monthly panel discussion and networking event series hosted by the Michigan Energy Forum Steering Committee, and sponsored by Ann Arbor SPARK. The mission of the forum is to facilitate collaboration and networking among practitioners, policy makers, investors and professionals. Events are held the first Thursday of the month at SPARK Central in downtown Ann Arbor. To get involved, or for additional information, contact Mike Medvec at Medvec@umich.edu.
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Mingle & Match is for those who want to join a start-up as an early employee, co-founder, investor and/or advisory board member. (This is not an appropriate forum for general service providers.) Typically, 10-15 entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas and then meet with attendees in a structured networking process. Attendees submit a preference card for those companies that they’d like to get to know further. Companies will be in the technology or life science spaces, and will be too early stage to offer traditional employment, yet need key talent to turn the idea/concept into a business. Mingle & Match events are held 5 times/year at SPARK Central. To submit a business idea, or if you have any questions, please contact Amy Cell at Amy@AnnArborUSA.org or 734-821-0075.
OpenCoffee
This is a networking event for entrepreneurs, investors and those who work with technology & innovation businesses, particularly in IT, cleantech and life sciences. It's heavy on networking, full of interesting opinions and stories, and has led to several successful business partnerships. OpenCoffee is held monthly on the second Tuesday at SPARK Central.
Starting Your Own Business
For those considering following the Entrepreneur path - learn about personality traits that impact entrepreneurialism, create a marketing plan, learn about legal, accounting, franchises, business plans and financing options. Attendees receive one on one counseling and advice from business experts and organizations that are available to support new ventures. Typically the third Friday of each month, it is a full day event that takes place at the lower level of the Key Bank building, 301 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, MI 48197.
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