January 2015 Newsletter: Note from the Executive Director

With the start of 2015, I wanted to take the time to reach out to the village of people that have been paramount in helping the Macomb-OU INCubator serve its client base of exciting technology companies and entrepreneurs in the past year. From our Business Advisory Service program volunteers to the Executives In Residence to Oakland University faculty, student interns and administration, to the Michigan Defense Center to the SBDC to our fellow Smartzones to the MEDC to the BBC to PTAC to our partners--the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, and Oakland University and so many more, THANK YOU!!! We could not have helped our clients down the pathway of business growth without your help!

2014 was a great year. We averaged eleven events a month with a record number of attendees from across the state. We watched and assisted clients in expanding and growing their companies by creating jobs, securing first customers, and increasing revenue. We also assisted clients in developing and implementing capital raise plans. We are pleased to report that we are first in the state for securing Business Accelerator Funds for our clients. In the past two years, we have helped clients to obtain over $12.5 million in follow-on funding. The Business Accelerator fund is supported by the MEDC and run by the SBDC with the purpose of helping companies to reach milestones that lead to purchase orders and follow-on funding.

Collaboration in 2014 led to a couple of exciting events and programs. Under the auspices of the City of Sterling Heights, the Macomb OU INCubator, the Michigan Defense Center and Macomb County all worked diligently to host Defense Matters which was emceed by Carol Cain and featured on Michigan Matters. Carol did a fantastic job engaging a brilliant panel of defense experts! Defense Matters was attended by legislators, defense experts and professionals across the state. Those attending were greeted by drones flying around, and robots shaking their hands. After the event, all helped themselves to dogs done Chicago style and pop set up in the courtyard.

2014 also saw our first Macomb Pitch competition with over $23,000 in cash and prizes for early stage technology companies. The competition was a great success with 50 applicants and a live audience of near 80. The applicants were whittled down to eight finalists who received Pitch Prep assistance. This competition could not have taken place without the hard work of over 40 volunteers. Much of what we do could not take place without the village. Thanks for a great 2014!!!

For a sneak peak of 2015…… expect to see some of the same because it works, along with some new and improved services. As our country faces more hacking threats, we also plan to provide relevant programming in Homeland Security with an emphasis on cyber security.

Julie Gustafson
Executive Director
Macomb-OU INCubator