If you don't know what TechArb is, you should.
The Atlantic magazine described the U-M student business incubator as a "seed change in the way students view entrepreneurship."
A business incubator for student-run start-ups -similar to the downtown Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti incubators controlled by Ann Arbor SPARK- TechArb inhbabits more than 2500 sq. ft. of office space at the McKinley Towne Centre next to the offices of Menlo Innovations. Almost 100 student-led businesses have passed through the small business incubator since its launch in 2009.
The University of Michigan developed the incubator with the idea of creating a space designed to encourage college student entrepreneurship. It has since helped launch a number of new economy-based start-ups, including companies in software, bio-tech and alternative energy.
Concentrate has invited Amy Klinke, assistant director for small business initiatives at the university’s Center for Entrepreneurship, to talk about TechArb - it's goals, successes and future in Ann Arbor. How does it work? What helps these young entrepreneurs thrive? And how do we keep them here once they graduate?
Amy will also be bringing a trio of student business groups to pitch their company ideas to the audience and answer questions about their plans, experiences and challenges.
If you've ever wondered how Ann Arbor can better build its entrepreneurial ecosystem this is the event for you!
Join us by signing up below for this fascinating discussion.
WHEN : Thursday, May 23, 5:00 - 7:00pm
WHERE: Conor O'Neill's (318 S Main St in Downtown Ann Arbor)
WHO: The event is free and open to Concentrate's readers, but please RSVP below.
Doors open at 5pm. Beverages will be provided and the speaker program will begin around 5:15pm.
Conversation and networking is welcome afterward.
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