The Blue Ocean Student Entrepreneur Corp. (BOSE) is a non-profit, student-run, national, and virtual high school pitch competition. It has an affiliation with the authors of the books Blue Ocean Strategy and Blue Ocean Shift. The purpose of the organization is to help high school students learn more about entrepreneurship, ideation, strategy and how to …
When Natalie Bruno started working in downtown Ann Arbor, a mutual friend suggested she connect with Jenn Cornell Queen, Ann Arbor SPARK vice president of marketing and communications. “It was as much a personal referral as it was professional,” said Natalie. “I had just moved to the area and was starting to build my network.” …
The Ann Arbor SPARK entrepreneurial services program is a valuable resource for promising entrepreneurs looking to grow their company in the Ann Arbor region. Whether you’re a new business looking for an official address or the next promising tech startup, SPARK can help you grow. Incubator Network Ann Arbor SPARK has two innovation centers in …
March 28 | Ypsilanti The conference for those who (want to, need to, try to, can) do. Whether it’s a product, politics, or perspective, our world is shaped by the designers of the world — many times without us even knowing it. We often forget just how much of what we experience on a day-to-day …
It is very common in college towns for there to be a large population of accompanying spouses and partners, and Ann Arbor is no exception. There are countless individuals who have relocated to the region supporting their loved ones while they pursue graduate and professional degree programs. Madeline Shepherd is one such spouse. “When my …
Ann Arbor SPARK is now accepting applications for its annual FastTrack Awards. This impressive honor is presented to high-growth organizations, also known as gazelle companies, headquartered within Washtenaw County. The 2019 submission deadline is Wednesday, May 1 and there is no fee to apply. “We encourage all eligible organizations, from small companies to large enterprises, to …
Challenge Discovering the best practices for creating and growing talent in surrounding counties that support the mission of business and attraction and retention. Solution The WOW conference allowed the region a moment to share best talent development best practices in the region, and continue as partners along a pathway as a learning community Results Partners …
Challenge The recession of 2008 greatly diminished Michigan’s talent pool and as the economy began to recharge in 2010 the Litchfield Initiative was established to address employer needs for technical training as they retooled their workforce. Solution The Litchfield TIFA purchased and renovated a building in the industrial park to create the perfect environment for …
Challenge Consortiums are needed to gather, share, test, and find consensus on the talent gap and the need for a talent pipeline. Solution Consensus was found on the need to organize companies (demand for talent) and educational organizations – k12-college (suppliers) in a consortium effort to create pathways for college and credentials that youth and …
Challenge With an unemployment rate of 4.0% in 2018, talent remains one of the largest barriers to growth for companies throughout Michigan. This issue is especially a concern in the Ann Arbor region where the unemployment rate in 2018 was 2.6%, significantly lower than the statewide rate. With these conditions, employers throughout the Ann Arbor …
The Greater Ann Arbor Region is a collaborative partnership of six counties working together to serve growing businesses that are seeking a destination for relocation or expansion.
