Troy woman turned home start-up into multimillion-dollar business

Original Source: http://www.detnews.com/article/20110602/BIZ/106020364/1001/biz

It's been 17 years in the making, but a Troy woman finally has built a true home-based business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.

Pole-Wrap has become a lesson in what a determined entrepreneur can achieve.

Momentum kicks off 2011 program, reaches out to universities

Original Source: http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2011/05/momentum_kicks_off_2011_progra.html

As it enters its third annual summer “boot camp” program, Momentum continues to try new things.

This year, the Grand Rapids-based seed accelerator will partner with a limited number of colleges and universities to give students real-life exposure to the world of entrepreneurism.

Recent Updates

Tools for entrepreneurs abound in Michigan

November 2, 2011

WEST MICHIGAN — Whether an entrepreneur is just starting out or looking to take her business to the next level, she should be able to find help – if she knows where to look.

Entrepreneurship is one of the pillars of Gov. Rick Snyder’s economic development strategy. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Pure Michigan Business Connect program links the state’s efforts with public, private and nonprofit partners ranging from the Edward Lowe Foundation to the Varnum LLP law firm.

Pop-up stores fill void created by recession
November 2, 2011

In December, some high-end retailers at Somerset Collection in Troy will return to empty storefronts in downtown Detroit for an encore of the CityLoft shops, where retailers will set up for three, possibly four days starting Dec. 1.

Today, young entrepreneur Margarita Barry launches BohoModern.com, a green lifestyle brand of new and vintage items. She will promote the online store by setting up a Midtown Detroit space that

 

Start-ups need support, Smith says
November 2, 2011

The path of an entrepreneur is never simple or easy.

Marisa Smith majored in music in college, did computer tech work for the engineering school at the University of Michigan, and started a company that sold her own brand of software to hospitals.

Then the Great Recession happened, and contracts dried up. Her company, the Whole Brain Group, was in danger of fizzling.

Interview with entrepreneur Chris Treter: Opening Doors and Connecting
October 28, 2011

It’s 1:27 p.m. and Chris Treter is on the other end of the cell phone connection, trying to talk above the noise of an airport terminal. He’s been disconnected three times already, and static is making the conversation a bit like a game of “Name That Tune.” Most interviewees might get annoyed or discouraged enough to call it quits, but Treter laughs and keeps telling his story.

It’s a little thing, but it matters.

Muskegon area students get chance to cash in on business ideas
October 28, 2011

Muskegon needs entrepreneurs — and Suzanne Velarde thinks she just might have found a way to spark their interest.

She's helped create what is being called Muskegon's first “elevator pitch competition,” an event that gives students — both from high school and college — 90 seconds to pitch a business proposal. The idea is to replicate an elevator ride between an entrepreneur and an investor.

Original Source / Full Article: http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2011/10/muskegon_area_stude...

Mich. entrepreneur wears, sells art on his sleeve
October 24, 2011

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) — From the western Michigan city that brings you ArtPrize comes a T-shirt entrepreneur who sees his startup as "an elaborate art project."

The Grand Rapids Press reports (http://bit.ly/rcwAPA ) Saturday that 27-year-old Fred Quillin is launching the Grand Rapids Shirt Co. with a line of six shirts and 30 more planned.

Among them: A shirt emblazoned with "John Ball is my homeboy." That's a tribute to the city founder and namesake of the John Ball Zoo.

Made in Michigan: Entrepreneurs hope to attract stores to locally made products
October 24, 2011

Okemos entrepreneur Lilian Chavira has been thinking of launching her first retail product line, and she needed advice.

So, Chavira didn't hesitate to set up a booth this week at the Making It in Michigan trade show and seek feedback for her 3-year-old home-based bakery, Gellocake.

And by feedback, she means that literally. Chavira fed people samples of her new custom gelatin product, Petite Pleasures, at the Lansing Center trade show Wednesday.

New business ventures unveiled at Boost event
October 21, 2011

Fifteen entrepreneurs were at the Doherty Hotel Wednesday to “pitch their business” in front of a panel of judges and audience members.

The event, called “Boost” was sponsored by the Blue Water Angels, MidMichigan Innovation Center, Great Lakes Entrepreneurs Quest and the Middle Michigan Development Corporation.

Oneupweb : The Rise of the Entrepreneur and Micro-business
October 21, 2011

Over the past few years micro-businesses have been cropping up everywhere and the entrepreneurial spirit has been thriving. Why? Some might guess it’s because unemployment has been at an all time high and our economy has been slow to dig out of a recession. As a result, the unemployed are beginning to create new opportunities for themselves.

Google goes searching for Michigan small businesses
October 19, 2011

A business with a couple of dozen employees is a small business. That same business without a website isn't even a small business. To potential customers, it might no even exist.

Visibility is a problem for most small businesses in the digital marketplace.

According to a study commissioned by Google Inc., 59 percent of small businesses in Michigan do not have a website.

Recent Videos

In Mich., Entrepreneurs Pitch Ideas for $5,000 Award
NEW ECONOMY INITIATIVE FOR SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
Entrepreneurs See Opportunity in Detroit

Recent Resources

Boost Mid-Michigan Documents

One of JumpStart's key activities is hosting Boost Mid-Michigan events. These entrepreneurial pitch competitions allow...
A Funding Fix For New Businesses - Walter Buckley

I have spent the majority of my adult life investing my own and other people's money in entrepreneurs. That's why I know...
Resources for Starting a Business in Michigan - Where to begin (Terminology and Processes)

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...
Resources for Starting a Business in Michigan - Writing a Business Plan

What goes in a business plan? Where can you go for more information on structure, format, and examples?

Michigan...
Business Incubators in MI

Looking for local support in getting your business of the ground? Check out our list of business incubators in MI.

...
more