Entrepreneurship is hard, but it is even harder when you are trying to do something innovative. There is no business plan you can take off the shelf, no franchise operations manual you can consult. At TechTown, we have created SmartStart. SmartStart is a business development process for new, high-growth innovative companies. These are companies who address a compelling need in a different way.

 

If you are looking for entrepreneurial support, SmartStart offers 24 months of:

• Coaching to provide one-on-one guidance and direction;
• Small business loans;
• Education that offers a practical focus on business plans, sales pitches, operations and customers;
• Mentoring to work with subject-matter professionals on specific projects.

What you get

SmartStart is about creating tangible results for your business. If you take full advantage of the program, at the end of the process you will have:

• A fundable business plan with access to Angelsoft, a deal-flow software program that attracts investors throughout the Midwest;
• A scalable operations manual to implement competitive processes;
• The resources you need to generate your first sales if you are pre-revenue.

►NEW! SmartStart Logistics

SmartStart now has a special track just for logistics startups. Fill out the standard application by April 16, 2010 to be eligible for SmartStart Logistics.

Who should apply

SmartStart accepts startup companies from a range of industries--technology, non-technology, logistics and more--but all share a common thread: innovation.

What is an innovative startup? One that has:

• A new business strategy
• New know-how
• A new concept
• A unique service delivery
• New technology

If your startup has any ot these, then you're eligible to fill out the free application!

Apply now!

Applying to SmartStart is simple and free! The next application deadline is March 12, 2010. CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply to the SmartStart program? Who teaches the SmartStart workshops? What role do mentors play with SmartStart companies at TechTown?

You can find answers to all these questions and more by downloading this list of SmartStart FAQs.
 

Current SmartStart clients

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Faris Alami, SmartStart Support Leader, brings years of senior leadership experience to the SmartStart program. Alami managed growing, successful operations with up to $5 million in annual revenues, and gave strategic redirection to enterprises on developing an increase in productivity, sales, employment retention and customer loyalty. As managing director for Integration Systems Management, Inc. in Troy, Alami provided administrative and marketing technologies to companies operating in a multi-cultural environment. Alami is responsible for generating corporate interest in the program, lending his expertise to developing entrepreneurs and also helping to promote TechTown’s initiatives.

 

Judy M. Johncox, Director of Business Services at TechTown and Venture Development at Wayne State University, has a well-established track record evaluating academic technology and company business models for commercialization and business growth. She manages the strategic planning and business concept development programs at TechTown and WSU related to start-up companies. She also works with companies to attract the management and investment resources for applicable start-up companies. An adjunct faculty in WSU’s School of Business, Johncox teaches an MBA level course which develops business plans for WSU technologies. 

 

Ebony M. Johnson, Senior SmartStart Support Leader at TechTown, spent several years working with entrepreneurs to maximize retail sales growth. Her recent accomplishments include an MBA with a focus in marketing. She has used this degree and her sales experience to assist TechTown with its business development programs. She recruits and screens entrepreneurs with ideas, business concepts or early stage startup companies that are interested in participating in TechTown programs. She also manages the networking and learning opportunities with faith-based organizations.

 

Derrick Lillard, SmartStart Support Leader, works closely with clients and an array of business consultants to create and execute a detailed strategy for corporate expansion and efficiently manage product development. Lillard brings years of entrepreneurial experience and leadership to the program. Before entering TechTown, Lillard provided small business strategy consultations and referral services to startup and existing business owners. As manager of the Entrepreneurial Institute and Resource Center, he promoted entrepreneurship through networking and conducted weekly Business Plan orientations, where he provided strategic planning solutions for aspiring business owners.

 

Jaison J. Raju, SmartStart Training Manager at TechTown, is a former educator in the City of Detroit. After teaching, he started a self-employment sales career in real estate and mortgages and later business development with Office Depot. Jaison also worked with Greenpath Debt Solutions as a bankruptcy counselor teaching clients about budgeting and credit. His experience in small- to mid-sized for-profit firms and nonprofit organizations has fueled his focus in entrepreneurship. His internship included working with WSU faculty considering startup creation and assisting TechTown staff with venture services to startup clients. Raju received his MBA with a focus in management from Wayne State University in May 2009.