Join Us for E-Week: Celebrating Entrepreneurs & Innovation
Calling all entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses! Join us for Entrepreneurship week April 1-5! We have 8 events planned that week all centered around helping you take an idea to the next level, learning new tools and tricks from successful entrepreneurs and growing your business.
April 1
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About IP But Were Afraid to Ask
Join Lina Asmar and Dean Amburn from Giroux Amburn Trial Attorneys as they give an overview on all things Intellectual Property (IP). Topics of discussion will include patents, copyrights, trademarks, etc.
Choon Ng, the inventor of the Rainbow Loom will talk about how he protected his invention and how he defends against IP infringement.
Noon- 2 p.m. Learn more and register.
Business Model Canvas Workshop
Whether you have an existing business or are thinking about starting a business, an important tool to know is the Business Model Canvas. Join us as Jim Hop, Northwood University’s Professor & Chair of Entrepreneurship and Franchising Management, teaches us how to use the Business Model Canvas and apply it to our business or startup.
What is the Business Model Canvas?
Business Model Canvas is a strategic management and lean startup template for developing new or documenting existing business models. It is a visual chart with elements describing a firm’s or product’s value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances.
6-7 p.m. Learn more and register.
April 2
Second Quarter Luncheon – The Unchanging Laws of Business & Enterprise
Join us for our second quarter membership lunch where Don Tocco, founder of Tocco & Associates, will talk about the unchanging laws of business and enterprise. These laws allow businesses to build, sustain and grow in a predictable manner in a challenging environment. Don is a world-renowned business leader, artist, writer, and motivational speaker. This is one luncheon you will not want to miss!
11:30-1 p.m. Register now!
Family Business Forum
Running a family owned business with multiple generations can be hard! Join us as we hear from three family owned businesses about the good, the bad, and the ugly of running and operating a family owned business.
Panel Businesses:
- Great Lakes Home Care Unlimited LLC
- Ieuter Insurance Group
- SPACE, Inc.
6-7:15 p.m. Free to all attendees, but space is limited so please register here.
April 3
Women in Entrepreneurship
Join the MBA Innovation Center and the McNair Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship as we hear from three successful female entrepreneurs who will share their personal entrepreneurial story with the hope of inspiring and enlightening attendees. Participation in this engaging forum will provide those who attend with an opportunity to be inspired, enlightened, and network with women that possess an entrepreneurial mindset.
Female Entrepreneurs:
- Alayna Wessner, Chevron Creative & Sushi Remix
- Kristi Kaye, Magic Mirror Michigan & Midland Hypnotherapy
- Lisa Thompson, Self Love Beauty
6-7:30 p.m. Free to all attendees, but space is limited so please register here.
April 4
Small Business Luncheon: Cybersecurity
Small businesses are at risk for cyber-attacks. In fact, small businesses are more vulnerable in many ways. This presentation will cover what is cybersecurity, why cybersecurity is important to your small business, what you can do today to better cybersecure your business, and examine different every day cyber scenarios. This presentation will address the most common areas for concern and action for small business owners:
- Why Cybersecurity
- Best Cybersecurity Practices
- Real World Cybersecurity Scenarios
- Cybersecurity Action Items
Our list of experts on the panel include:
- Dawn Luptowski – MCI/Cyber Liability Insurance Agent
- Mike Rule – CU Tech
- Matt Space – MITCON
- Scott Taber – SBDC Cybersecurity
11:30-1 p.m. Learn more and register.
Northwood Spring Pitch
Do you enjoy watching Shark Tank? Join us for our own “Shark Tank” experience at Northwood University’s Spring Pitch Competition. Students will have five minutes to pitch their business to a panel of judges. Monetary prizes will be awarded to the top three pitches.
6-8 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend. This event is free of charge and does not require registration. Learn more.
April 5
WakeUp! Midland
Join us for WakeUp! Midland, a content-driven, early morning program that is attended by over 250 business professionals each month. It’s a great opportunity to make business contacts, have breakfast, register for door prizes and get networking! Don’t forget to bring your business cards. The Talk Show will feature a discussion with three new business owners in our community. We will hear from the owners of Grove Tea Lounge, Three Bridges Distillery & Taproom and Pizza Baker.
7:30-9 a.m. Register now!
All E-Week events are brought to you by Northwood University and the Midland Business Alliance.