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ENTREPRENEUR

Ann Arbor SPARK to manage statewide Michigan internship program

The internships will be funded by Ann Arbor SPARK and a grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) will partner with Ann Arbor SPARK to launch the Michigan STEM Forward internship program on a statewide level. SPARK has run the program on a local level through the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone with a decade of positive results. In scaling the program up, MEDC will work in partnership with SPARK to place 425-450 STEM students currently attending Michigan colleges annually into STEM-focused internships throughout Michigan. “Ann Arbor SPARK is thrilled to leverage our decade of experience running our own Ann Arbor-based internship program and take the opportunity to administer the Michigan STEM Forward program on behalf of the state,” said Bill Mayer, Ann Arbor SPARK’s vice president of entrepreneurial services.

Ann Arbor SPARK, Michigan House to host panels at SXSW

ANN ARBOR – Michigan House is again preparing to serve as a platform for the state’s innovators and creatives to connect with the worldwide audience that attends the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW) next week. In the moment it was devastating, but even within a couple days it was clear the right decision had been made,” said Ted Velie, a co-founder of Michigan House. We were thrilled then, that SXSW found a way for us to still connect this year.”AdOver the course of the five day virtual conference, Michigan House will host three Official SXSW Panel Discussions, a virtual meet-up for entrepreneurs, a Michigan Startup Portfolio, and a Michigan House Booth on SXSW’s digital platform. AdSee the schedule below for the panels, organized by Ann Arbor SPARK’s Komal Doshi, and the Michigan-focused SXSW event. Hosted by Start Garden, Ann Arbor SPARK, Detroit Startup Week & MEDCTo attend the free event, register here.

Women’s History Month: Tatiana Grant turns tragic 2020 into triumph

DETROIT – For Women’s History Month, meet a woman who like many of us had no idea how difficult 2020 would be. “I said, ‘Thank you for the responsibility that I have.’”It’s safe to say Grant is winning. The self-described serial entrepreneur is the owner of a number of Metro Detroit based businesses including one she’s most proud of, 2050 Partners Inc.“2050 Partners Incorporated is an integrated marketing agency. This Women’s History Month is important to Grant because she shares her story of triumph through tragedy in hopes that it inspires other women. “I want my place in women’s history to be a serial entrepreneur and mother who seized opportunities and created and built opportunities for other people.”Grant calls herself not just a serial entrepreneur, but an overall “master of making it happen.”More: Women’s History Month stories

Ann Arbor’s Lisa Sauve named to Forbes Next 1000 list

ANN ARBOR – One of Tree Town’s very own has been named to the Forbes Next 1000 list. Sauve applied for the list and had a feeling she was picked when representatives continued to contact her. For now, she is the only Ann Arborite to make it on the list. AdCredit: IVEY Salon | Synecdoche DesignLiving by the motto “Do Good Work,” Sauve said the practice is expanding its charitable arm. A lean operation with five employees, architects Sauve, Smith and Sidney Migoski design projects remotely while design-makers Julia Hunt and Lindsey Sieja work in the shop.

University of Michigan students go viral with their Scrunchie Shots

“The morning of, I had an idea for a scrunchie shot,” said Chief Executive Officer Gaynor, who was a junior at the time. They sold their first Scrunchie Shots on campus at a deep discount in November ahead of the U-M vs. Michigan State game. Scrunchie Shot co-founders Justine Abbo (left) wearing Mojito, Catherine (middle) wearing Mojito, Heather Gaynor (right) wearing Shamrock Shooter. AdTo date, they have sold more than 300 units and e-commerce platform Shopify placed Scrunchie Shot in the top 6% of all stores that launched same week they did. Scrunchie Shot launched its St. Patrick's Day collection on Feb. 22, 2021.

Detroiters aim to change home-delivery with new business

DETROIT – Between the pandemic and holiday season, people are relying on home deliveries more than ever. A pair of Detroit entrepreneurs aims to change the industry, taking it from a corporate concept to a more personalized service. Dinessa and Wilbur Hughes III believe the future of retail and running errands will involve smaller, more individualized delivery services. The family-owned business wanted to expand and, with so many relying on home deliveries, they decided to rebrand their trucks and offer a new service. Do what you can do.”More information on Zoom 2Day can be found on its official website, its official Facebook page or by phone at 248-855-8600.

This local woman was just named Entrepreneur Of The Year

While many businesses have struggled to keep up during the pandemic, Gwen Jimmere has not only kept her business afloat, but has also earned herself the title of Entrepreneur Of The Year. Ernst & Young awarded her the honor in the 2020 Michigan and Northwest Ohio category. Jimmere is the founder and CEO of Naturalicious hair care company, a business that sells products to help repair natural hair, and teaches customers about hair care. Jimmere said she started the company with only 32 dollars in investments after getting out of an abusive marriage. So far over 400 women have participated, and Jimmere says the results are “mind-blowing.”To find out more about Naturalicious and the Repair your Hair Challenge, watch the video above.

Ann Arbor SPARK receives Excellence in Economic Development Award

ANN ARBOR – Ann Arbor SPARK won a gold category award for its Ann Arbor as a Mobility Living Lab, a project in the Public-Private Partnerships category of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)'s 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program. “Once again, Ann Arbor is recognized as a region that excels in innovation and collaboration,” said Paul Krutko, Ann Arbor SPARK president and CEO. Ann Arbor SPARK works closely with the region’s academic institutions, public officials, and private sector businesses to build an environment that attracts mobility companies and talent to the region. Ford has partnered with the city of Ann Arbor for its Ford City Insights Platform. “The winners of IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development awards represent the very best of economic development and exemplify the ingenuity, integrity, and leadership that our profession strives for each and every day,” said 2020 IEDC Board Chair and One Columbus CEO Kenny McDonald.

Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund selects six startups for September pitch competition

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Watch six regional startups pitch their businesses for the chance to win $20,000. The pitch competition has been organized by the Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund and will be hosted by Dug Song, Founder of Duo Security and A2EF steering committee member. Applications for the pitch competition were open to startups serving Washtenaw and Wayne counties that focused on social impact. Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund is an initiative lead by the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Related: Ann Arbor Entrepreneurs Fund launches pitch competition for entrepreneurs making an impact

Jay-Z, Pharrell to release new song about Black ambition

NEW YORK Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams have teamed up to release a new song about Black ambition titled Entrepreneur." Black Twitter, whats that? When Jack gets paid, do you? raps Jay-Z, referring to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. For every one Gucci, support two FUBUs.On the track, Williams sings: In this position with no choice/The system imprison young Black boys/Distract with white noise." Williams told TIME the song is about how tough it is to be an entrepreneur in our country to begin with."