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Past Events
Start-Up
Central |
Event
Schedule |
Past Events
Event Series:
Workshop
Title: Disconnects between Entrepreneurs and
Investors - Bridging the Divide
Monday, March 21, 2005 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Many, if not most entrepreneurs are exasperated with the apparent lack of interest in their new venture by investors. At the same
time investors can't quite understand why entrepreneurs simply "don't get it". The emergence of new angel investor
groups and other funding organizations across Michigan disputes the lack of interest, but very few ventures actually find the
funding they need. This session will explore some of the reasons why by examining a recent study of Michigan entrepreneurs by
the University of Michigan at the request of the Great Lakes Entrepreneurs Quest (GLEQ). Investors will also be invited to this
session to respond to the audience's questions on this topic and other areas.
Event Series: Workshop
Title: 7 Pools of Capital -- Funding Your Deal
Monday, January 17, 2005 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
It would be very convenient if every prospective deal followed the same checklist, but, unfortunately, they don't. Some deals are suited for
an equity investment, while others would do better with a subordinated loan or leasing arrangement. Entrepreneurs face a key challenge by
identifying not only the most likely source of financing for a particular venture but also the requirements it must meet to receive
consideration. This session will address the "match making" process, and provide clues on the most likely sources of funding for
different types of deals.
Event Series: Workshop
Title: Pitch Your Business in 5 Breaths
Monday, December 6, 2004 6:00-8:30 pm
Crush at the B.O.B.
20 Monroe Avenue NW, First Floor
Grand Rapids, Michigan
$25 per person, includes Hors D'Oeurves and two beverages
Investors and Entrepreneurs Free, by Invitation Only
Imagine yourself at a holiday cocktail party where you encounter a potential
investor for your start-up business. You have a very short time to make your pitch and
need an impactful message to open the door to further contact. If you have practiced the
IdeaWorks “5 Breath Test” you are well on your way to success. It’s not
an elevator pitch, but rather a more disciplined approach to anticipate questions and
respond in a succinct, persuasive manner.
This special celebration of the first year of Start-Up Central will give you just
that opportunity. Real-life investors will be circulating in CRUSH to listen to the
pitches from entrepreneurs and provide meaningful feed-back. The rest of us will
provide the balance of the party environment as we celebrate the successes of Start-Up
Central over the past year and discuss next year’s plans.
Event Series: Presentation
Title: Creating an Effective Business Model
Monday, November 1, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
In simple terms a business model converts a product or service idea into economic value.
A credible business model that is scalable should be every entrepreneur's top priority.
Everything in your business plan touches on the business model, which demands consistency
and logic to reach the mark. Too often the business model is overlooked, or deemed to be
of secondary value to other parts of the plan. In this session we will highlight the key
aspects to be considered in formulating a viable model.
Event Series:
Presentation
Title:
Crafting Your Pitch
Monday, October 18, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor,
Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Imagine the opportunity to pitch your new business idea to a group
of investors. Only 10 minutes is allotted, so what topics do
you cover, and what do you leave out? This session will
address this subject in detail, with experienced consultants and
investors on hand to offer advice and counsel.
Event Series:
Presentation
Title:
The Right People
Monday, October 4, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor,
Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Investors will say, time and again, that people make the difference
in new business start-ups. Friends and family may offer a good
support network for the entrepreneur, but they may not have the
right mix of skills or experience to commercialize the new business
idea. Knowing when and how to bring new people into a new
venture may be the crucial difference between success and
failure. This session will speak to many of the common issues
of staffing faced by early stage entrepreneurs, including the use
and involvement of outside advisors and board members.
Event Series:
Workshop
Title:
Shopping the Deal
Monday, September 13, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor,
Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
It would be very convenient if every investor followed the same
checklist, but, unfortunately, they don't. Some deals interest
them, and others simply don't. Obviously, a key challenge is
to identify the most likely source of financing for a particular
venture and the requirements it must meet to receive
consideration. This session will address the
"Shopping" process, and provide clues on the most likely
sources of funding for different types of deals.
Event Series:
Presentation
Title:
Go to Market Alternatives
Monday, August 2, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor,
Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Contrary to popular opinion, the world will NOT beat its way to the
door of a better product or service. Instead, the entrepreneur
must carefully consider the alternatives of reaching its target
audience by designing a credible market entry plan. There are
many different choices, from b2c, b2b, e-commerce, strategic
partnering, and so on. This session will explore a number of
alternatives, with specific focus on each channel's expectations for
new business start-ups.
Event Series: Workshop
Title: Pitch Your Business Idea
Monday, June 21, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Here's your opportunity to pitch your business to a serious audience
and get feedback. You will have 10 minutes (maximum) to
describe your new business opportunity, identify the funding needs
and milestones, and outline the prospective deal parameters.
Your pitch will be followed by Q&A and, finally, feedback and
suggestions for improvement. While designed as a practice
session, you never know whether an interested investor may be in the
audience! Early registration and pre-qualification are
required for those wishing to make a pitch at this event.
Event Series: Panel Discussion
Title: Reporting to Investors
Monday, June 7, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Measuring and reporting progress against agreed milestones is one of the most difficult
tasks an entrepreneur will face. Some investors want detailed information on a frequent
basis, whereas others might be satisfied with periodic updates. The issue is how to fulfill
an investor's need for information without diverting essential time and energy from the
business itself. This session will highlight the typical informational
needs requested by investors, with adequate time for Q&A with local investors on your
specific situation.
Event Series: Presentation
Title: Creating Credible Financial Projections
Monday, May 17, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Financial projections are the measure of the future success of your company. They are
a critical measure of whether you can and should proceed to launch, provided they are
derived from a strong sales & marketing plan and not just "made up" numbers. They are
also a critical part of your business plan that will be poured over by potential investors.
This session will help you understand how to create financials that will be an asset to you
and to your business.
Event Series: Panel Discussion
Title: Protecting Your Idea
Monday, May 3, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Protecting your idea is a subject that is or should be important to every start-up company.
Whether through patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, or other means, you must have
a plan for protecting your intellectual property --- and it's never too early to start.
Brad Addison, a patent attorney with Barnes & Thornburg's
Indianapolis office, Melissa Vallone, an attorney who is a trademark
specialist with Barnes & Thornburg's Chicago office, Janet Knaus, an attorney with Warner Norcross
who specializes in intellectual property protection, and Greg Bondarenko, a patent
attorney with Warner
Norcross, will be on hand to offer lots of good advice on how and when to protect your intellectual
property. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the experts.
Event Series: Presentation/Workshop
Title: Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Monday, April 19, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Competitive advantage is something in the eye of the
beholder. To the entrepreneur it seems self-evident that their idea
and the team behind it is clearly the right combination in the right
place at the right time. In others’ eyes, particularly with
investors, it can be an entirely different story. Competitive
advantage is oftentimes justified through a patent, trade secret or
even timing. Any or all might fit a specific situation, but there
are no absolute guarantees. It demands a clear understanding of
customer requirements and expectations, and the alternative
solutions offered in the market. This session will review the most
common approaches to competitive advantage, with a specific focus on
the key factors that can set the stage for long-term sustainability
despite the inevitable competitive response.
Event Series: Panel Discussion
Title: Structuring Your Company
Monday, April 5, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Worried about whether you picked the right legal form for your
company? Not sure what you should be looking for in a banking relationship?
Concerned about whether you are tracking and accounting for your business
financials properly? During this panel discussion you will have the opportunity
to ask these questions and more of local experts with all the answers. Legal
questions will be fielded by Michael Lunt of Warner Norcross & Judd’s Grand Rapids
office and Phil Torrence of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone’s Kalamazoo office,
two attorneys with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience helping
start-up companies. Accounting questions will be answered by Tom Rosenbach of
Grand Rapids-based Beene Garter, with backup on tax-related matters from Nancy
Sabolish. Beene Garter’s by-line “Big Enough to be Experts, Small Enough to Care”
positions them perfectly for this panel discussion. Bill Bruinsma of Standard
Federal will deal with your bank-related questions. As head of Standard
Federal’s West Michigan small business area, Bill is focused on your areas of
interest and well prepared to answer any questions you may have. Here’s your
opportunity for free practical advice --- take advantage of it.
Event Series: Presentation
Title: Creating Credible Sales & Marketing Strategies
Monday, March 15, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Professional investors typically cite ineffective sales &
marketing strategies as show-stoppers for new business
start-ups. Creating real commercial traction must be a top
priority before serious investors jump in. This interactive
session will explore the key elements of effective sales &
marketing strategies and how to assemble a workable plan.
Event Series: Presentation
Title: Sizing Up the Market and Your Competition
Monday, March 1, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Too many entrepreneurs become enamored with their idea, but can't
clearly pinpoint its true market potential or the likely competitors
it will face. Some ideas are so radically different or compete
in such large market spaces that quantifying the addressable market
is a seemingly impossible task. The same is true in
pinpointing competition, both direct and indirect. This
session will cover a number of conventional and unconventional
approaches to help you bring this key area into focus. Time
will be allotted to address your specific challenges and questions.
Event Series: Workshop
Title: Pitch Your Business Idea
Monday, February 16, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Here's your opportunity to pitch your business to a serious audience
and get feedback. You will have 10 minutes (maximum) to
describe your new business opportunity, identify the funding needs
and milestones, and outline the prospective deal parameters.
Your pitch will be followed by Q&A and, finally, feedback and
suggestions for improvement. While designed as a practice
session, you never know whether an interested investor may be in the
audience! Early registration and pre-qualification are
required for those wishing to make a pitch at this event.
Event Series: Presentation
Title: Creating a Great Investor Pitch
Monday, February 2, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Imagine the opportunity to pitch your new business idea to a group
of investors. Only 10 minutes is allotted, so what topics do
you cover, and what do you leave out? This session will
address this subject in detail, with experienced consultants and
investors on hand to offer advice and counsel. Ideal
preparation for the Investor Pitch meeting on February 16th.
Event Series: Workshop
Title: Facing the Challenges of New Business Start-Ups
Monday, January 19, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
Here's your chance to bring your problems forward and get input from
start-up experts. A variety of consultants, serial
entrepreneurs, and investors will be on hand to offer their advice
and counsel in an environment where we all learn from each other's
challenges. Combined with networking throughout the evening,
this could prove to be the event of the season.
Event Series: Presentation
Title: The Elements of a Plan for Your Business
Monday, January 5, 2004 6:00-8:00 pm
University Club, 10th Floor, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
IdeaWorks, LLC will outline a streamlined yet thorough approach for
planning your business. You can't write a business plan
without a plan for your business and this session will get you on
the road toward a plan for your business that will significantly
improve your odds for success.
Event Series: Presentation/Panel Discussion
Title: Alternative Funding Sources for high Growth, Early Stage Businesses
Monday, December 1, 2003 6:00-8:00 pm
Gillette Auditorium, Fifth-Third Bank Building
111 Lyon Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
A no-charge event
This is the kick-off meeting in our Start-Up Central series.
It will begin with a co-presentation by David Brenner of IdeaWorks,
LLC and Jack Ahrens of T-Gap Ventures, discussing the various
funding sources available to early stage ventures. This will
be followed by a panel discussion with representatives from various
funding sources, including Angels and Venture Capitalists.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear expert opinions of where and how
start-up funding is available.
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