Olson Named Director of Business Accelerator

Ann Arbor SPARK Names Scott Olson Director of Business Accelerator
February 5, 2007

Ann Arbor SPARK, the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location, recently named Scott Olson as executive director of its Business Accelerator. In this position, Olson will work to increase the quantity and quality of new innovation-focused businesses in the Washtenaw County region and help those emerging companies shorten the time required to attract capital, customers or other vital resources.

Ann Arbor SPARK’s Business Accelerator assists emerging technology companies through a network of mentors and experts. Olson will administer Ann Arbor SPARK’s SmartZone activities, including the Michigan Innovation Equipment Depot. Additionally, Olsen will oversee the accelerator's quarterly Entreprenuer Boot Camp program that assists with business formation and financing.

“Olson’s position is critical; the Business Accelerator is a key initiative for Ann Arbor SPARK and for supporting the region’s entrepreneurial growth,” said Michael A. Finney, CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. “Olson is an accomplished executive and consultant with extensive experience in growing businesses from the ground-up. The expertise that he brings to Ann Arbor SPARK stakeholders and to this region is impressive and valuable.”

Prior to joining Ann Arbor SPARK, Olson was president of Life Science Consultants in Ann Arbor, a growth strategy and market intelligence consultancy. His consulting experience includes life science, high tech, manufacturing and service industries, and he has held executive positions in consulting, software and financial organizations.

Olson earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Purdue University and a master of business administration degree from the University of Michigan. He has been active in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rotary Club, Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council and MichBio.

About Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in the Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, the Herbert and Grace Dow Foundation, Pfizer, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317.