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Home / Start-ups / SPARK Regional Business Incubator Network / SPARK East Business Incubator
SPARK East Business Incubator
Since its launch in 2008, the SPARK East Business Incubator has become a magnet for innovation-based businesses of every size and description – from entrepreneurs and start-ups to mid-sized companies. Here you’ll find work-ready office facilities equipped with the latest technology. Networking events and educational programs. Plus on-site mentoring from the SPARK East Entrepreneur Expert Resource Board (ERB). And because the Incubator is part of the new Eastside Innovation Campus, you’ll have access to an amazing array of business development centers, consulting expertise and educational programs. All concentrated within a two block area of downtown Ypsilanti. All dedicated to your success.
Business Incubator tenants have the option of attending a monthly meeting with the SPARK ERB – a group of experts in the fields of banking, finance, start-ups, marketing, sales, HR, and logistics. After presenting a five-minute report to board members and fellow entrepreneurs, you’ll receive a lightning round of feedback to help you stay on task and on target.
Business Space, Services, and SupportBy combining crucial infrastructure with broad spectrum support services, the Incubator provides all the advantages of a dynamic business environment without costly overhead expenses. Tenant resources include:
- 15 cubicles, available with short- or long-term leases
- Designated company phone number - VOIP system
- Private T-1 internet connection
- Full kitchen
- Utilities
- Two conference rooms
- Access to copiers, fax machines, conference rooms, and cleaning services
- Dedicated recruiting staff to identify job candidates
- Nearby free parking
- Preferred status for Mingle & Match talent events
- Monthly meetings with the SPARK East Entrepreneur Resource Board (ERB) – the ERB is comprised of experts in the fields ofbanking/finance/startups/marketing/sales/HR/logistics. Eachentrepreneur provides a 5 minute report to the group of board membersand fellow entrepreneurs and then receives a lightning round of10minutes of feedback and suggestions. This will infuse new ideas andkeep the entrepreneur focused on their mile stones.
- Access to Expert Office Hours – coffee chats hosted by ERB members
- Inclusion in the Ann Arbor SPARK Power Lunch series
- Free admittance to the Entrepreneur Education 1.0: Launch and the Entrepreneur Education 2.0: Growth program series
Cost: $250/month for cubicle space
Amenities for Virtual TenantsFor entrepreneurs who do not require full time space, a shared office environment which includes the use of the Incubator’s technology and facilities is available. Privileges include:
- Mail receipt
- Use of conference rooms and networking/hoteling space
- Preferred status for Mingle & Match talent events
- Open invitation to Expert Office Hours coffee chats, hosted by ERB members
Cost: $95/month
Location215 W. Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (8,000 square feet)
734.372.4070
Who is eligible?You are, if (1) your business is an innovation start-up or (2) your company’s technology is applicable to health care,life sciences, biotechnology, or a related field. In addition, the business must be focused on commercialization and based on an idea or technology that has defensible value (e.g., a patent, trade secrets,copyrights, know-how, etc.). For a complete list of criteria, visit our Incubator FAQs.
Submit and ApplicationApply now through our Business Accelerator Business Idea Submission form.
Learn more!If you are interested in learning more about the Incubator and the application process, contact:
Lori Emerson
Business Accelerator and Incubator Coordinator
Office: 734.527.9153
Email: Lori@AnnArborUSA.org
SPARK Entrepreneur Resource Board (ERB)
Laura Boudette, Communications Expert
Laurahas worked on several European-wide initiatives in the field of corporate communications, public relations and journalism. Her work experience was primarily in the IT industry.
lauraboudette@yahoo.com
Steven Calef, CFO Consultant
Steve is a seasoned financial leader with 30 years of experience in financial and operations management. His background represents a broad spectrum of organizations from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies in several industries. Steve's track record includes multiple rounds of VC funding, transition from R&D stage to commercialization, implementation of ERP systems, and a state tax credit award.
stevecalef@gmail.com
Paul Davis, Sales Expert
Paul has repeated success leading strategic account teams; managing profits centers of technical products with service business groups; directing technical support and product development; conducting benchmarking,customer satisfaction and market niche studies;developing marketing literature; teaching strategic selling and large account management for client sales efforts at target accounts;coaching and mentoring.
paul@accountdev.com
Raymond J. Gaynor
President of International Solutions LLC, a specialized management consulting firm helping small and medium size companies successfully enter or expand into the international market. Ray has been in international business development for 24+ years. His experience and knowledge in international operations for engineering software, medical products, and consumer products have resulted in growing successful international businesses and increasing Michigan’s export revenue. He has a comprehensive knowledge of international sales operations and distribution channels with solid experience in sales and marketing strategic planning, business negotiations, revenue generation and innovative sales marketing. Some of his previous positions have been:
- Global Vice President Sales and Business Development – About Golf Ltd.
- Vice President of Americas Business Development – MSC Software, Inc.
- Vice President Asia Pacific Operations – Mechanical Dynamics, Inc.
- Country Manager Australia – Schlumberger / Applicon
Ray attended Eastern Michigan University and majored in Business Administration. He has spoken at many of the Michigan World Trade Conferences and International Seminars on a variety of international subjects.
Gary Hessenaur, President and owner of Hessenaur & Associate, C.P.A., P.C.
The firm provides a full range of accounting, tax, consulting and part time CFO services. The firm focuses on small to mid-size businesses with a specialty in start ups and technology businesses. Start up business clients have been funded through owner funds, grants, angel and VC investors. Gary is board member and business coach for the New Enterprise Forum, mentor at SPARK boot camps, SPARK Accelerator consultant and helps counsel businesses through Michigan SBTDC. He is very well networked in the startup and financing community.
Tony Iannone, Product Development Expert
Tony has 20 years of product engineering and development experience, with a variety of automotive technologies. He has been actively involved in all aspects of the product lifecycle, from ideation through volume production.
tony.iannone@comcast.net
Andrew Jakimcius, Grant Expert
Andrew is a Principal Consultant at BBC, where he provides a broad range of support for the development and growth of technology-based companies including SBIR/STTR grant assistance.
andy@bioconsultants.com
Nicole Nessler-Stuhec
Nicole advised many companies of different sizes, industries and stages during her many years working for Ernst & Young and HVB Group, a major financial institution in Europe. She holds a Masters Degree in Business and has done academic research in the Internationalization Process of Born Globals, which are defined as small, technology-oriented companies that operate in international markets from the earliest days of their establishment. She has a passion for supporting start-ups as a mentor and coach providing expertise in the area of Finance, Strategy, Business Plan and Development as well as Internationalization.
Stan Jelic, Patent Expert
Stan Jelic is the founder of Jelic Patent Services, which provides patent-related services for individual inventors and small companies. sjelic@jelicpatent.com
Debbie Keipper, Marketing Expert
Debbie's expertise is in creating, executing and overseeing strategic marketing, branding and communications programs for the automotive and financial service industries. As Marketing Director for Intellitrends, she provides strategic insight and direction to client marketing and branding initiatives from concept to execution.
dlkeipper@hotmail.com
Chris Kochmanski, Marketing and Design
Chris Kochmanski is a partner in DesignHub, Inc., a creative services and strategic marketing firm headquartered in Saline, Michigan. Chris provides clients with marketing strategies and plans, creative concepts, copywriting services, and consultation in Web strategies and approaches, along with account and project management. Before joining DesignHub in May 2002, Kochmanski worked in marketing communications, marketing management, and business development for such leading Michigan companies as Mechanical Dynamics, Interface Systems, Cleo Communications, and ADP Network Services. He has over 30 years of professional marketing experience. Chris graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA degree in journalism in1978. He is a native of the Detroit area who has resided in Saline since 1979.
chris@design-hub.com
Andrew Kulpa, Legal Expert
Andrew M. Kulpa is an associate at Butzel Long where he concentrates his practice in corporate and limited liability company organization and operation, corporate transactions, and finance law. He is actively involved with negotiating and drafting transactions for closely held and public companies dealing with start-ups, general contract issues, joint ventures, and mergers and acquisitions.
KULPA@butzel.com
Nancy Mathias, Coaching Expert
Nancy is President and Founder of Focus Leadership Development LLC, a coaching, training and consulting firm located in Birmingham, Michigan.
Nancy@focusld.com
Vita Merlotti , Strategy Expert
Vita is the President of Avalon LLC and offers 23+ years proven P&L experience with start-up organizations and multi-nationals alike, driving Strategy, Market Insight, Operational Excellence & Technology ROI. Whether you need assistance with your operations – business planning & strategy, financial services, HRIS, sales & marketing, office services & technology – or you need assistance driving efficiency, scalability & enabling technologies into a mature or expanding environment, Vita can help you drive measurable & effective solutions. She can be reached at merlotti@comcast.net.
Stew Nelson, Insurance Expert
Stewart V. Nelson is a founding member of the Kapnick Insurance, KICK Team that specializes in insurance and benefits for Life Science, Information Technology and IT dependent businesses.
snelson@uferinsurance.com
Charlie Penner, Small Business Expert
Charlie Penner has served as the Regional Director for the MI-SBTDC@WCC for five years. In this capacity he has provided counseling and training to many diverse small businesses.
CPenner@wccnet.edu
Cliff Sheldon, Banking Expert
Cliff has been an Ann Arbor community banker from 1966 to 2009 workingwith a variety of businesses including high tech, retail and real estate. Former board member of New Enterprise Forum. Board member of company manufacturing products for health care industry. In process of approval as SCORE counselor.
cliff.sheldon@gmail.com
Patty Schwartz, HR Expert
With over 35 years in Human Resource Management, Patty Schwartz recently retired from Ann Arbor’s NSK Corporation as the Director of Human Resource.
Scott Trossen, HR Expert
Scott Trossen has expertise in talent management,organization development and training, compensation and benefits, and HR compliance. His firm, SOI HR Solutions, assists in selecting and strengthening staff, managing and mitigating risk, and improving business processes.
scott@SOIstaff.com
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