Jumpstart Resources
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
July 14, 2010 - 8:39am
This is an excellent resource for any service providers, educational institutions, and other organizations. looking for funding to support entrepreneurial development.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) provides a full listing of all Federal programs available to State and local governments (including the District of Columbia); federally-recognized Indian tribal governments; Territories (and possessions) of the United States; domestic public, quasi- public, and private profit and nonprofit organizations and institutions; specialized groups; and individuals.
https://cfda.symplicity.com/index?s=main&mode=list&tab=list
JumpstartCategories: Resources
Resources for Starting a Business in Michigan - Choosing and Reserving a Name/Filing Forms
May 13, 2010 - 2:59pm
Do you have THE perfect name for your business? Once you have that name, how do you make sure no one else is using it? Then where do you go to file the forms to start your business?
Choosing a business name
Need some inspiration for choosing a business name?
http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/startupbasics/namingyourbu...
It is a good idea to Google search your business name. Tip: make sure there are not a lot of listings or listings that you might not want a client to associate with your business.
www.Google.com
Department of Labor and Economic Growth: Search for business names by key word, name, or identification numbers.
http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/bcs_corp/sr_corp.asp
Reserving a Name/Filing Forms
The process of reserving a business name and filing the necessary forms may seem daunting.
Fortunately, Michigan has set up a One-Stop website that can help guide you through the process. Set up a profile and let the website guide you through all the necessary forms and filings.
http://www.michigan.gov/business
The type of business structure you have chosen for your business will often determine where you must file the necessary documents. If you feel comfortable with filing the necessary forms on your own, here is some information you will need!
*Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietor who wishes to conduct business under a name other than the real name of the person must file a "Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under an Assumed Name" (DBA) in each county where the business is located.
*General Partnership: A general partnership, like a sole proprietorship, must file a "Certificate of Co-Partnership" or a "Certificate of Persons Conducting Business Under Assumed Name" with the county clerk's office in the counties in which the business is located.
*Corporation: In order to form a corporation, whether profit, nonprofit, or ecclesiastical, Articles of Incorporation must be prepared and filed with the Bureau of Commercial Services.
http://onestophelp.state.mi.us/wiki/Corporation
*Limited Liability Company: The Corporation Division promotes economic development and growth by facilitating the formation of business entities in Michigan. The Division provides services that enable corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships to be formed, and for foreign entities to obtain a certificate of authority to transact business.
http://onestophelp.state.mi.us/wiki/Limited_Liability_Company
*Limited Liability Partnership:
http://onestophelp.state.mi.us/wiki/Limited_Liability_Partnership
* Limited Partnership:
http://onestophelp.state.mi.us/wiki/Limited_Partnership
For more information on choosing business structures:
http://mi2m.wetoo.org/node/6139
Categories: Resources
Resources for Starting a Business in Michigan - Choosing a Business Structure
May 13, 2010 - 2:17pm
Sole proprietorship or a limited partnership? LLC or an LLP? Nonprofit or for profit? For liability and/or tax reasons, choosing the correct business structure for your business is critical, but how do you decide which structure to use? We've collected some great resources to help you find the structure that is best for your business!
Business Structure Informational Resources
Websites
U.S. Small Business Association
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/chooseastructure/START_FOR...
Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, & Economic Growth (MI-DELEG)
http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-35299_35413-170094--,00.html
Michigan One-Stop
http://onestophelp.state.mi.us/wiki/DLEGBCSCD-1
Books
*Form Your Own Limited Liability Company ~ Anthony Mancuso
*LLC or Corporation?: How to Choose the Right Form for Your Business ~ Anthony Mancuso
*How to Form a Non-Profit Corporation ~ Anthony Mancuso
*How to Start a Business in Michigan ~ Entrepreneur Press
*Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business ~ Fred S. Steingold
*Legal Forms for Starting & Running a Small Business ~ Fred S. Steingold
JumpstartCategories: Resources
Business Incubators in MI
May 6, 2010 - 3:57pm
Looking for local support in getting your business of the ground? Check out our list of business incubators in MI.
BioBusiness Accelerator (Holland)
www.BioBusinessAccelerator.com
Central Michigan University Research Corp
http://www.cmurc.com/
East Lansing Technology Innovation Center:
http://www.cityofeastlansing.com/tic
Kettering University TechWorks:
http://www.ku-tw.com/
M-TEC Smart Zone (Houghton/Hancock)
http://www.mtecsz.com/default.aspx
MSU Product Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources:
http://productcenter.msu.edu/
SPARK Regional Incubator Network (Ann Arbor and Surrounding:)
http://www.annarborusa.org/start-ups/
Starting Block Kitchen Incubator
http://www.startingblock.biz/
Tech Town (Metro Detroit):
http://techtownwsu.org/
West Michigan Science & Technology Initiative
http://www.wmsti.org/
Categories: Resources
Resources for Starting a Business in Michigan - Writing a Business Plan
May 5, 2010 - 4:17pm
What goes in a business plan? Where can you go for more information on structure, format, and examples?
Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center (MI-SBTDC)
The MI-SBTDC has been established to provide consulting, training, research and other services to small businesses, including evaluating business plans. MI-SBTDCs are located throughout the state and offer their services for free.
Follow this link to find the MI-SBTDC near you!
http://www.gvsu.edu/misbtdc/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.regionalcenters
Small Business Association
The Small Business Association has excellent resources and information available for free online!
Follow this link to SBA's website more information:
http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/SERV_WRR...
Libraries
Many Michigan libraries have free resources and reference materials to assist entrepreneurs throughout all phases business development!
For more information, please visit the Michigan eLibrary's Business and Jobs Gateway at:
http://mel.org/bizandjobs
Examples of Business Plans
Want to know what a business plan looks like? These links will direct you to examples of business plans:
http://www.gvsu.edu/misbtdc/index.cfm?id=7C14D071-0515-5F9C-EB7C26E2ECA7...
http://www.bplans.com/sample_business_plans.cfm
JumpstartCategories: Resources
Resources for Starting a Business in Michigan - Where to begin (Terminology and Processes)
May 5, 2010 - 2:47pm
You have an idea or product. You think you may be able to start a business or make money off of your idea. But how do you begin the daunting process of starting your business?
The State of Michigan has a great website to learn the basics on terminology and process for starting a business. We recommend clicking through this website to familiarize yourself with entrepreneurship terminology and links to other resources.
Follow the link below to begin!
http://www.michiganadvantage.org/Start-a-Business/Default.aspx
Categories: Resources
A Funding Fix For New Businesses - Walter Buckley
April 7, 2010 - 9:32am
I have spent the majority of my adult life investing my own and other people's money in entrepreneurs. That's why I know the U.S. has a serious problem on its hands.
Although the stock market has tentatively rebounded, funding for the one area in which America has a distinct competitive advantage--that is, new company formation--is in scary decline. That may be a familiar refrain by now, but that doesn't make the ramifications any less real. Or less dangerous.
Full Article:
http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/25/small-business-stimulus-entrepreneurs-f...
Credit is still stuck in the mud. Here are some smart incentives to get investors writing more checks.
JumpstartCategories: Resources
Boost Mid-Michigan Documents
March 22, 2010 - 1:58pm
One of JumpStart's key activities is hosting Boost Mid-Michigan events. These entrepreneurial pitch competitions allow participants to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who then provide feedback and support. This gives aspiring entrepreneurs a safe avenue for practicing and refining their investment pitches.
One of JumpStart's key activities is hosting Boost Mid-Michigan events. These entrepreneurial pitch competitions allow participants to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges who then provide feedback and support. This gives aspiring entrepreneurs a safe avenue for practicing and refining their investment pitches.
JumpstartCategories: Resources
