ENTREPRENUERSHIP
Calling All Entrepreneurs!
Are you a startup company and creating business opportunities related to the I4.0 digital transformation? If so, Macomb County has resources available to you to jumpstart your business.
The Industry 4.0 Accelerator
Spearheaded by Michigan's Industry 4.0 Knowledge Center, Automation Alley - the Industry 4.0 Accelerator is the first of its kind in the United States.
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Powered by Centrepolis at Lawrence Tech University and Lean Rocket Lab in Jackson
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Backed by a $1.3M strategic Industry 4.0 investment fund
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In partnership with Michigan's top OEM's and downstream suppliers
The Industry 4.0 Accelerator has received applications from teams across the globe. Because they've always supported teams both virtually and in person, the program continues to run largely uninterrupted during this time. While our investment fund focuses on Michigan intent, there is no required 'on location' or classroom style requirements in the program.
What you get:
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Up to $110,000 Investment
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Technical Support and Milestone Management
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Direct Connections & Product Demos
U LIFT Challenge
The "U LIFT Challenge,", funded by LIFT and modeled after the popular television show “Shark Tank,” is open to universities – current LIFT academic members as well as non-members - from across the country designed to solicit new and innovative solutions to Integrated Computational Engineering (ICME) problems. Submitted proposals will be reviewed initially by the LIFT Technology Team and then a select number will be invited to present their proposal in a “Shark Tank”-style virtual meeting, including LIFT staff and industry members from the LIFT Technology Interest Group.
Proposals will be accepted through October 29, 2021.
Submissions should align with LIFT’s ICME technology thrusts, including hypersonics, lightweight armor, weapon systems, space, orphan & obsolete parts, airframe structures or cross collaboration with LIFT’s other technology pillars, including advanced material & process development, multi-material joining, and agile & smarter manufacturing. Materials of interest include metallics, ceramics, and hybrid materials.
TechTown Detroit
TechTown is Detroit’s entrepreneurship hub. We are a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early- to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. We own and operate a 135,000-square-foot building in Detroit’s New Center that supports co-working, offices, meetings and events. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, we are accelerating an inclusive and equitable economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan.
Technology-Based Programs
If you have a tech idea, an innovative technology or a tech startup, TechTown is the place for you. TechTown Detroit can help you test your tech idea, gain sales traction, optimize operations and access capital.
Start Studio
Intensive idea validation for emerging founders with a tech-based business idea they want to test in the real world. This two-part program consists of online workshops/meetings and individualized coaching to help participants build revenue-generating prototypes.
Incubator
A 90-day program of individualized coaching and hands-on assistance for revenue-generating tech businesses preparing to scale their operations. Incubator focuses on strengthening sales, marketing, analytics, accounting and project management systems and processes.
Capital
An eight-week course for tech-based Southeast Michigan companies with a unique value proposition to increase knowledge about and access to capital. This program serves
companies that raised less than $500,000 in private sector equity/revenue in the last year.
Macomb Community College (Macomb CC)
Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship: a free community resource
Our vision is to develop a culture of entrepreneurship in which students and residents are inspired and motivated to explore and act upon their innovative ideas. We are committed to maintaining a vital hub of resources the community can rely upon for entrepreneurial education and assistance, all aimed at increasing an entrepreneur’s chances of launching their own business.
Our goal is your success
The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) offers ongoing services and resources to encourage new ideas and new business growth in Macomb County. These services are supported by Macomb Community College as part of its commitment to workforce and economic development in the region.
Who is eligible for these free resources?
We are here to serve Macomb students and alumni, and community residents, including small business owners.
How about startups?
Most definitely! We can provide assistance to businesses still in the idea phase, as well as those already on the market.
Is there a preferred business type?
Not at all. Dry cleaners to small manufacturing firms, beekeeping to consulting services, it doesn’t matter. We have the capacity to provide critical support to all types of new or existing businesses.
How do I get started?
Contact us at cie@macomb.edu and we will schedule a one-hour assessment at our office on Center Campus. Together, we will develop an action plan that identifies the steps you need to take and the resources that are available to you. Our experienced mentors will work with you one-on-one as you implement your action plan.
Contact the CIE team at 586.226.4833 or email at cie@macomb.edu