Tech Town - Wayne State University Research and Technology Park http://techtownwsu.org Reigniting Detroit's Entrepreneurial Culture Tue, 15 May 2012 18:12:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Market Research Tips and Tricks http://techtownwsu.org/market-research-tips-and-tricks/ http://techtownwsu.org/market-research-tips-and-tricks/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 19:02:21 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5390

Who: Target Audience—Entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business.

What: Market Research Tips and Tricks

This workshop will delve into industry specific resources, where to find financial benchmarks,

using social media for research and more. This is a part two of the Introduction to Market

Research.

When: Wednesday, May 30, 2011

5:00pm – 5:30pm Registration/ Networking

5:30pm – 6:45pm Presentation

6:45pm – 7:00pm Q&A

Where: TechTown, THRIVE Training Room 1

Cost: Free for THRIVE Accelerator members. $25 for non-THRIVE Accelerator members including

TechTown tenants

Register by noon on May 30th at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3531176845

Contact: Sha’Kara Mack with any questions at 313-879-4486 or Shakara@techtownwsu.org


About the speaker:

Wendy Richardson is an experienced independent consultant working with nonprofits and startup

company’s  specializing in market research, social media and bringing business concepts to nonprofits.

Since 2008, she has been a certified mentor at TechTown and also a councilperson with the city

Of Eastpointe. Richardson has an MBA from Wayne State University and a BA from Michigan State

University.  She received both degrees with Honors.

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/market-research-tips-and-tricks/feed/ 0 Introduction to Social Media http://techtownwsu.org/introduction-to-social-media/ http://techtownwsu.org/introduction-to-social-media/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 18:58:47 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5385

Who: Target Audience—Entrepreneurs wanting to start their own business.

What: Confused by all the talk about Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare and others? This one hour workshop will give you the basics in Social Media and how it can help your company grow!

What you’ll come away with:

  • Types of Social Media and how you can use them.
  • How to develop a social media strategy.
  • How you are on Social Media (even if you don’t do anything).

When: Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

5:00pm – 5:30pm Registration/ Networking
5:30pm – 6:45pm Presentation
6:45pm –7:00pm Q&A

Where: TechTown, Conference Room A

Cost: Free for THRIVE Accelerator members. $25 for non-THRIVE Accelerator members including TechTown tenants

Register by  noon on May 29, 2012 at: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3523447727

Contact: Sha’Kara Mack with any questions at 313-879-4486 or Shakara@techtownwsu.org

About the speaker:

Wendy Richardson is an experienced independent consultant working with nonprofits and startup companies, specializing in market research, social media and bringing business concepts to nonprofits. Since 2008, she has been a certified mentor at TechTown and also a councilperson with the city of Eastpointe. Richardson has an MBA from Wayne State University and a BA from Michigan State University, both degrees with honors.

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/introduction-to-social-media/feed/ 0 Managing Cash Flow & Operating Your Business http://techtownwsu.org/managing-cash-flow-operating-your-business/ http://techtownwsu.org/managing-cash-flow-operating-your-business/#comments Fri, 11 May 2012 18:57:21 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5388

Who: Business Owners, Large & Small

What: We’ve all heard that cash is the “life blood” of your business, and if there’s one thing the recession’s taught us, it’s that cash is still king. But what can you do to ensure that you have adequate cash flow “circulation”?

Come learn key fundamentals every business owner needs to know about managing cash flow at this TechTown workshop. Led by finance veteran and certified TechTown mentor Brian Bach, this workshop will cover a 13-week cash flow model.

What you’ll come away with:
In this seminar Brian will highlight three essential points:

  • The importance of good cash management
  • Tools to help you plan your cash inflows and outflows
  • Effective tools to manage both current and future cash requirements

When: Thursday, May 31st, 2012
5:00pm to 5:30pm Registration
5:30pm to 6:30pm Presentation
6:30pm to 7:00pm Q/A & Networking

Where: TechTown, 440 Burroughs St. Detroit, MI 48202

Cost: $25.00, free for THRIVE Members

Registration ends at noon on May 31st.

Register here- http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3524189947

Questions & Concerns: Contact Sha’Kara at 313-879-4486 or shakara@techtownwsu.org

About the Speaker:

Brian is a strong financial and operations leader with a broad industry experience in retail and wholesale services and distribution organizations. He is a talented MBA graduate with direct experience in key areas of financial management, operational reporting, human resources, bank relations, risk insurance and information technology.

Brian’s experience spans for than 25 years and includes positions as a Commercial Banker, Fincancial Analyst and Branch Operations Manager. He was named Controller and then CFO for a well known retailer and  service company. During his tenure he helped the company grow from a $4 million dollar single store $20 million dollar operation. Brian has a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in Finance from Saginaw Valley State University and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. He is currently Ambassador for the Troy Chamber of Commerce and a mentor at TechTown.

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/managing-cash-flow-operating-your-business/feed/ 0 Overtime Can Become a Big Elephant in a Small Room http://techtownwsu.org/singleevent-single_event_idovertime-workshop/ http://techtownwsu.org/singleevent-single_event_idovertime-workshop/#comments Fri, 04 May 2012 16:36:46 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5367

“Overtime” Can Become A “Big” Elephant In a Small Room

Who: Business Owners, Large & Small

What: An employer must pay all nonexempt employees overtime for any work over 40 hours in a work week, and overtime must be paid at a rate of at least one and a half times the employee’s regular rate. The minimum wage and overtime provisions of the FLSA do not apply to “exempt” employees. Most employees will be covered by the FLSA unless they are employed in executive, administrative, professional, or outside sales positions. The DOL has published extensive regulations and guidelines for determining whether an employee will be considered executive, administrative or professional.

What you’ll come away with:
Sam McCargo and Reginald Dozier of the law firm of  Lewis & Munday, PC will review key provisions of these regulations. Seminar participants will learn:

  • Determine if/when a particular position is exempt
  • When overtime must be paid
  • When “comp” time is appropriate
  • Potential consequences of a failure to properly classify employees as exempt/nonexempt and/or properly pay overtime

When: Thursday, May 31st, 2012
10:00 am to 12:00pm

Where: TechTown, 440 Burroughs St. Detroit, MI 48202

Cost: $25.00, free for THRIVE Members

Registration link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3496198223

Questions & Concerns: Contact Sha’Kara at 313-879-4486 or shakara@techtownwsu.org

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/singleevent-single_event_idovertime-workshop/feed/ 0 Job posting: Managing Director of Entrepreneurial Programs http://techtownwsu.org/job-posting-managing-director-of-entrepreneurial-programs/ http://techtownwsu.org/job-posting-managing-director-of-entrepreneurial-programs/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:16:46 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5343

TechTown, Detroit’s business incubator in partnership with Wayne State University is seeking a Managing Director of Entrepreneurial Programs.

This role is responsible for overseeing the execution of all TechTown entrepreneurial and talent programs, including acceleration for new entrepreneurs entering pre-seed and seed-development phase, mentors, and interns. This role is also responsible for oversight of capital funding for TechTown clients and relationships with key TechTown partners and donors in the community.

TechTown embodies a diverse, dynamic and entrepreneurial culture. Any applicant applying for this position must be comfortable with cultural diversity, organizational change and extraordinary professional demands with limited direction.

Principal responsibilities:

  • Serves as member of TechTown leadership team in collaborative professional relationships with other team members.
  • Manages relationships with direct reports via one-on-one meetings, team meetings, and ad hoc discussions all in an effort to ensure clarity on direction, understand successes and challenges, and building of a healthy team.
  • Sets direction for all entrepreneurial programs via understanding TechTown’s goals and how the programs should align, participation in the marketplace to understand trends/developing needs, and implementation of long-term and short-term program goals to ensure timely and effective execution.
  • Supervises talent champion and assists with development and implementation of a robust program to attract and deploy industry experts as mentors to TechTown clients in key industry verticals. Also assists in engagement of professional service providers to offer cost-effective services to TechTown businesses in areas such as legal and accounting, intellectual property, web development, sales and marketing and prototyping.
  • Supervises capital champion in identifying funding opportunities for TechTown clients and building relationships with funding sources including loan funds, angel investors and venture capital.
  • Supervises business development function to identify and build relationships with key TechTown partners for program delivery, expansion of TechTown’s presence in key verticals, and fundraising. Implements and maintains a corporate donor program.
  • Participates in TechTown and industry events that warrant staff help in the form of speaking and representation.
  • Provides data on entrepreneurial programs as requested by the Director, Metrics and Planning.
  • Manages budget for Programs function.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the President and CEO.

Other requested skills:

  • At least five years experience leading teams of professionals in the achievement of enterprise objectives.
  • Has established relationships (or ability to quickly do so) with partner resources in the Southeast Michigan region.
  • Knowledge of methods of delivery of entrepreneurial programs, including curriculum, resource identification, and coaching.
  • Experience building teams of outside experts to provide advice and mentoring for startups and other small businesses.
  • Knowledge of small business funding sources, including loan funds, angel investment and venture capital.
  • Some prior experience with fundraising from foundations, government programs, community organizations and corporations.
  • Willingness and ability to work closely with management of other enterprise functions in a spirit of camaraderie, collaboration, and mutual trust.
  • Ability to develop and maintain a robust metrics program.
  • Willingness to travel within Michigan with occasional travel outside the state.
  • Comfortable speaking in front of large groups and to varying audiences ranging from students to C-level talent.
  • Must be flexible and independent, comfortable working with little direction and in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Must be passionate about entrepreneurship and revitalization in the City of Detroit and beyond, and aware of the current entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Please send a resume including a cover letter to techtownjobs@gmail.com.   Resumes will be accepted through May 14, 2012.

TechTown will do its best to respond to each applicant individually, but please know that we appreciate your interest in the role and look forward to filling this position as soon as possible.

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/job-posting-managing-director-of-entrepreneurial-programs/feed/ 0 Bid for design due May 4th http://techtownwsu.org/bid-for-design-due-may-4th/ http://techtownwsu.org/bid-for-design-due-may-4th/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:57:53 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5345

We are pleased to announce a Request for Bid for the following HUD-BEDI project at TechTown. If your firm offers services outlined in this bid, we hope you will consider bidding.

Project – TechOne Building, Redesign of 1st Floor and Part of 2nd Floor, 440 Burroughs, Detroit, Michigan, 48202

Bid Due Date – Friday, May 04, 2012 Bids must be hand delivered to Phoenix Contractors, Inc.

Walk Through – Friday, April 27, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at 440 Burroughs, Detroit, Michigan

Project Manager: Kirk Moll & Owner

Project Coordinator: Cristina O’Connor

Contact Detail: 2111 Golfside, Ypsilant, Michigan 48197; 734.487.9640

Document:

TechTown Floor Redesign RFP

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/bid-for-design-due-may-4th/feed/ 0 State support for emerging companies, Apr. 17 http://techtownwsu.org/state-support-for-emerging-companies-apr-17/ http://techtownwsu.org/state-support-for-emerging-companies-apr-17/#comments Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:51:57 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5333

Don’t miss the 2012 Entrepreneurial Services Bus Tour!

Learn what state services and funding are available for growing technology companies.

Each year, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) dedicates $25 million to help build companies with high growth potential. The MEDC is organizing a statewide bus tour to educate early-stage tech companies on programs ranging from business support to venture capital.

You’re invited to attend a presentation on how to access the many programs supported by the MEDC.

Date: Tuesday, April 17

Time: 12:00-1:45 p.m.

Location:  NextEnergy, 461 Burroughs Street, Detroit

At the presentation, you will learn about the following programs:

  • GLEQ
  • Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition
  • BBC, etc.
  • InForum
  • MI-SBTDC
  • Michigan PreSeed Capital Fund
  • Michigan Angel Fund
  • Venture programs
  • Michigan Venture Capital Association
  • University initiatives
  • Incubators, including TechTown
  • Bizdom

This event is free, and registration is not required.

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/state-support-for-emerging-companies-apr-17/feed/ 0 Is your New Hire and Independent Contractor or Employee?, Apr. 26 http://techtownwsu.org/independent-contracting-workshop-apr-26/ http://techtownwsu.org/independent-contracting-workshop-apr-26/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 18:13:22 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5331 function echeck(str) { var at="@" var dot="." var lat=str.indexOf(at) var lstr=str.length var ldot=str.indexOf(dot) if (str.indexOf(at)==-1){ alert("Invalid E-mail ID") return false } if (str.indexOf(at)==-1 || str.indexOf(at)==0 || str.indexOf(at)==lstr){ alert("Invalid E-mail ID") return false } if (str.indexOf(dot)==-1 || str.indexOf(dot)==0 || str.indexOf(dot)==lstr){ alert("Invalid E-mail ID") return false } if (str.indexOf(at,(lat+1))!=-1){ alert("Invalid E-mail ID") return false } if (str.substring(lat-1,lat)==dot || str.substring(lat+1,lat+2)==dot){ alert("Invalid E-mail ID") return false } if (str.indexOf(dot,(lat+2))==-1){ alert("Invalid E-mail ID") return false } if (str.indexOf(" ")!=-1){ alert("Invalid E-mail ID") return false } return true } function validateForm(form) { if (form.fname.value == "") { alert("Please enter your first name."); form.fname.focus( ); return false; } if (form.lname.value == "") { alert("Please enter your last name."); form.lname.focus( ); return false; } if ((form.email.value==null)||(form.email.value=="")){ alert("Please Enter your Email address") form.email.focus() return false } if (echeck(form.email.value)==false){ form.email.value="" form.email.focus() return false } if (form.email.value == "") { alert("Please enter your email address."); form.email.focus( ); return false; } if (form.phone.value == "") { alert("Please enter your phone number."); form.phone.focus( ); return false; } if (form.address.value == "") { alert("Please enter your address."); form.address.focus( ); return false; } if (form.city.value == "") { alert("Please enter your city."); form.city.focus( ); return false; } if (form.state.value == "") { alert("Please enter your state."); form.state.focus( ); return false; } if (form.zip.value == "") { alert("Please enter your zip code."); form.zip.focus( ); return false; } function trim(s) { if (s) { return s.replace(/^\s*|\s*$/g,""); } return null; } //alert("your trying to submit"); var inputs = $A(form.getElementsByTagName("input")); var msg = ""; var radioChecks = $H(); inputs.each( function(e) { var value = e.value ? trim(e.value) : null; if (e.type == "text" && e.title && !value && e.className == "r") { msg += "\n " + e.title; } if ((e.type == "radio" || e.type == "checkbox") && e.className == "r") { var name = e.name; if (e.type == "checkbox") name = name.substr(0, name.lastIndexOf("-")); if (e.checked == false && ((!radioChecks[name]) || (radioChecks[name] && radioChecks[name] != 1))) { radioChecks[name] = e; } else { radioChecks[name] = 1; } } }); radioChecks.each( function(e) { if (typeof(e) == "object" && e.value != 1) { msg += "\n " + e.value.title; } }); if (msg.length > 0) { msg = "The following fields need to be completed before you can submit.\n\n" + msg; alert(msg); return false; } return true; } var RecaptchaOptions = { theme : 'white', lang : 'en' };

Is your New Hire an Independent Contractor or Employee?

Start Date: Apr 26, 2012

Start Time: 10:00

End Time: 12:00

Price: $25.00

Description:

Employers do not generally have to withhold or pay any taxes on payments to independent contractors. However, to satisfy the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that a worker is an independent contractor and not an employee, the business must be able to demonstrate that it has not retained the right to “control” the details of the worker’s performance or the business aspects of the project. In January 2007, the IRS revised the guidelines through which it evaluates the independent contractor status of those providing services to a business, and more recently launched a massive Misclassification Initiative to crackdown on large and small businesses.

Sam McCargo and Reginald Dozier of the law firm of Lewis & Munday, PC will explore the 3 categories of “control” used for determining whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor.

Seminar participants will learn:
  • How to recognize the key factors that distinguish between independent contractors and employees
  • How to avoid inadvertently mischaracterizing employees as independent contractors
  • The possible consequences of mischaracterization
  • What inquiries from the IRS signal impending scrutiny of existing independent contractor relationships

Cost: $25 general admission; free for current THRIVE accelerator members

Location: TechTown, 440 Burroughs Street, Detroit

Register online below, or contact Workshop Coordinator Sha'Kara Mack with any questions at (313) 879-4486 or Shakara@techtownwsu.org.

About the presenters:

Samuel E. McCargo is a senior attorney in the litigation group of Lewis & Munday, P.C. He has served the State Bar of Michigan in various capacities, including Commissioner. He has also served as a state hearing officer in its Departments of Public Health and Civil Service. An author and lecturer, Mr. McCargo regularly conducts seminars on trial practice, professional ethics, labor and employment, and sexual harassment in the public and private sectors. A panel member of the American Arbitration Association, Mr. McCargo is also a former member of the Defense Research Institute, the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel. Mr. McCargo is a long-term member of the National Bar Association, the Detroit Bar Association, the Wolverine Bar Association and the American Bar Association. In addition, Mr. McCargo is a Michigan Bar Association Fellows and an American Bar Association Fellows.

Reginald Dozier serves as chair of the Litigation Group at Lewis & Munday, P.C. Mr. Dozier is licensed to practice in Michigan as well as the United States Supreme Court. He is a Past Chairman of the Law Practice Management Section Council for the State Bar of Michigan and a member of the State Bar's Employment Practice Section, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. He is listed as a Mediator with Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County Circuit Courts, as well as the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Mr. Dozier has successfully litigated Wrongful Discharge, Discrimination, Harassment, and FMLA matters. He has also handled condemnation matters. Mr. Dozier is also a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the Board of Directors, Nataki Talibah Schoolhouse of Detroit, a Charter School Academy.

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]]> http://techtownwsu.org/independent-contracting-workshop-apr-26/feed/ 0 Federal Supply Schedules class, Apr. 10 http://techtownwsu.org/federal-supply-schedules-class-apr-10/ http://techtownwsu.org/federal-supply-schedules-class-apr-10/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:14:06 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5321

Wayne State University Procurement Technical Assistance Center and the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center present:

Federal Supply Schedules: Finding Your Way to the GSA

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

GSA (General Service Administration) Federal Supply Schedules are contracts that allow federal customers to acquire more than 4 million products and services directly from more than 8,600 commercial suppliers. 

This class is lead by Mike Klewicki, a GSA expert who educates clients on the many mysteries regarding the GSA procurement area and Federal Supply Schedules.  This class is intended for businesses that would like to learn about supply schedules, buying potential and marketing through a GSA Schedule. 

Topics covered:

  • An overview of GSA
  • What is a GSA Schedule?
  • How to get on a GSA Schedule
  • Why you want to get on a GSA Schedule
  • How to choose the right schedule for you
  • Questions and answers

Location: TechTown, 440 Burroughs, Detroit, MI 48202

For reservations:  https://www.misbtdc.net/workshop.aspx?ekey=90320059

For information:  Call (313) 967-9295 or email bking18@emich.edu 

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/federal-supply-schedules-class-apr-10/feed/ 0 Job posting: Director of Marketing and Communications http://techtownwsu.org/job-posting-director-of-marketing-and-communications/ http://techtownwsu.org/job-posting-director-of-marketing-and-communications/#comments Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:40:13 +0000 allison http://techtownwsu.org/?p=5316

TechTown, Detroit’s business incubator in partnership with Wayne State University, is seeking a Director of Marketing and Communications (DMC).

This role is responsible for the overall image and messaging of the TechTown brand, which is currently undergoing a fresh redesign. The DMC is responsible for all digital and traditional marketing, public relations, social media and event planning. Candidates should have at least five years of experience in a similar role.

Additional responsibilities:

  • Designs newsletters and promotional materials for the website.
  • Pitches stories and updates to local, regional and national media.
  • Coordinates marketing messages for the TechTown brand.
  • Works with outside partner organizations to cross-promote regional entrepreneurship efforts.
  • Leads guided tours of the TechTown properties as requested, including monthly open houses.
  • Attends outside promotional events as the TechTown representative.
  • Assists with internal communications for TechTown tenant companies.

Requested skills: 

  • Knowledge of Wordpress CMS, Constant Contact, Eventbrite, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr
  • Masterful command of the English language, both spoken and written (writing samples will be requested)
  • Experience in creating corporate content, copywriting, proofreading and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite 
  • Comfortable speaking in front of large groups and to varying audiences ranging from students to C-level talent
  • Must be flexible and independent, comfortable working with little direction and in a fast-paced, dynamic environment 
  • Must be passionate about entrepreneurship and revitalization in the City of Detroit and beyond, and, ideally, aware of the current entrepreneurial ecosystem

Please send a resume including a cover letter to techtownjobs@gmail.com. If selected, writing samples will be requested.  Resumes will be accepted through April 20, 2012.

TechTown will do its best to respond to each applicant individually, but please know that we appreciate your interest in the role and look forward to filling this position as soon as possible.

]]> http://techtownwsu.org/job-posting-director-of-marketing-and-communications/feed/ 0