Educational Forums

The Ann Arbor business community is strengthened by the numerous industry groups and organizations in the region. They offer outstanding networking and educational opportunities, and an Ann Arbor SPARK professional can help you determine the best fit for you.

The New Enterprise Forum links entrepreneurs with management expertise, potential joint venture partners and investors, and other professional services through a monthly presentation and networking environment.
www.nef.bizserve.com

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center is a statewide network providing a full range of services for small businesses emerging and growing throughout Michigan, including new venture companies, existing small businesses, expanding businesses, new technology companies, and innovators.
616.331.7480
www.misbtdc.org

The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone is one of 10 high technology centers designated by the State of Michigan for their potential to create the 'jobs of the future.'

The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone is focused on creating an entrepreneurial community, where companies with exciting new technologies can grow and prosper. The SmartZone is concentrated in the downtowns of the two cities, recognizing the undeniable attraction that vibrant urban areas hold for entrepreneurs.

The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone builds on the success of the Ann Arbor IT Zone, an organization formed in 1999 to support the area's historically strong IT industry.

Key technologies supported by services of the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone are: information technology, particularly networking and high speed internet services, life sciences, and MEMS.
www.michigan.org/medc/smartzones/szsum/annarborypsilanti/

MichBio is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving the growth of the life sciences industry in Michigan. The association serves a diverse membership, including new and established life sciences companies, academic and research institutions, as well as service providers and related organizations throughout the state.

Acting as a focal point for the life sciences community, MichBio provides networking and educational events, offers a web portal to industry-specific state and national information, addresses public policy, and is focusing on the human resource, funding and infrastructure issues affecting Michigan’s biosciences industry.

MichBio is affiliated with BIO, the national organization that represents biotechnology companies in the United States and in 33 other nations.
www.michbio.org

"The lower cost of doing business has contributed to our success. One month of rent in Palo Alto is equivalent to one year’s rent in Ann Arbor."

Mark Smith
Vice President
Research and Technology
AVAcore