Entrepreneurship is hard, but it’s even harder when you’re doing something innovative. There is no business plan you can take off the shelf, no franchise operations manual you can consult. At TechTown, we’ve created SmartStart, a business development process for new, high-growth, innovative companies that address a compelling need in a different way.
SmartStart helps companies accelerate growth and manage issues like product development, marketing, funding and basic business operations to maximize revenue growth and profitability. Clients work closely with TechTown staff and an array of business consultants and service providers to create and execute a detailed strategy for growth.
Q: Is there a fee for SmartStart?
A: Yes; however, fees for services are deferred for up to 4 years.
Q: Who provides guidance to SmartStart clients?
A: Experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals who are experts on a variety of business issues. Many have 15-20 years of experience.
Q: Do you only enroll startups run by U.S. citizens?
A: The program is not limited to U.S. citizens. We accept diverse backgrounds The goal is to help Michigan-based entrepreneurs get their business up and running. In order to do that, the entrepreneur needs to be at our facility to participate in the workshops.
►NEW! SmartStart Logistics
SmartStart now has a special track just for logistics and supply chain management startups. Fill out the standard application by April 16, 2010 to be eligible for SmartStart Logistics.
What is logistics, anyway?
Don’t be deceived: logistics is so much more than transportation.
Logistics includes supply chain management on a much wider scale. Supply chain management is the combination of five basic components:
- Plan and development of supply chain
- Source of suppliers
- Production
- Distribution
- Customer support
These components are universal across any sector or industry, and if your company provides services in one of these components, then you’re in 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 of these, then you’re eligible to fill out the free application.
Applying to SmartStart is simple and free! Learn more about the application here.
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