CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS!
Your Chance to Compete, Win and Accelerate Your Business - So Enter Now

About Dave Haviland

Dave Haviland is a management consultant who works with early-stage businesses on business, marketing, and organizational strategy, as well as raising capital. He is a Principal at Shepherd Advisors, and can be reached at (734) 717-4955 or dave@shepherdadvisors.com.

Q: What is the 21st Century Jobs Fund?

A: The fund is a decade-long initiative, started in 2005, that has several parts that are designed to target different aspects of diversifying Michigan's economy. The initiative is probably best-known for the competition, which is currently running, that provides funding for early-stage business ideas, but there are also loan programs for later-stage businesses, and a funding program for venture capital firms.

Q: How can Detroit entrepreneurs benefit from the 21st Century Jobs Fund?

A: The current Business Plan Competition provides funding for entrepreneurs who are beginning to "go to market" with their offering. The program can provide funding at attractive terms for entrepreneurs who have some source of funding already, and who are looking for more money to accelerate or expand their business. MEDC has a number of stories from the 2006 competition that show companies using their award money to successfully grow their businesses.

Q: What is required to apply?

A: There is an RFP that spells out what is needed for an application in detail. To summarize, a company needs to (1) be in 1 of 4 targeted market sectors (advanced manufacturing, auto, or materials; alternative energy; defense or homeland security; and life sciences), (2) demonstrate that it has some amount of "match funding" coming into the company from sources outside the company (investors, customers, grants, partners), (3) pay a $500 application fee, and (4) write a business plan that serves as the company's application to the program.

Q: When is the application deadline?

A: The deadline is June 4th. The program schedule shows that a group of applicants will be selected for additional oral interviews in July, award winners will be selected in September, and money will be available to winners starting in November.

Q: Where can Detroit entrepreneurs go for more information on the 21st Century Jobs Fund?

A: The MEDC's website for the competition is www.TheMEDC.org/21CBizPlan. In addition, I operate a website at www.mi21cjf.com, that provides information and commentary about the program.

E2DETROIT 2008 SPONSORHSIP OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE!

As the premiere entrepreneurial event in Michigan, E2detroit is the ideal partner to showcase your commitment to cultivating small business growth in the State of Michigan and to fostering the collaboration of business and academia for the betterment of the economic community. E2detroit sponsor benefits include pre-event through post-event marketing, regional media coverage, full-access to attendees, event attendance and association with a valuable resource for area entrepreneurs and students.

Please contact sponsorships@e2detroit.com to find out how to participate in this phenomenal event.

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