March 2015 Newsletter: Mac-OU INC Happenings: "Capital Raise Meetups still in high demand at Mac-OU INC"

Startups and early-stage, growth-based businesses looking for funding need look no further than the Macomb-OU INCubator’s Capital Raise Meetups with Capital Strategist Mike Brennan. This seminar has seen over 300 attendees and is continuously growing, thus drawing the attention of Fifth Third Bank, the newest sponsor of the Capital Raise Meetups.

“Small business continues to be the backbone of the United States economy and Fifth Third Bank is proud to sponsor an event that stimulates entrepreneurship,” said Jack Riley, senior vice president and director of marketing for Fifth Third Bank (Eastern Michigan).

“We applaud the Macomb-OU INCubator’s efforts in helping fledging businesses get resources to help them grow.”

Brennan will detail various capital sources in Michigan and talk about how to properly position a company to be qualified for private funding including private equity, the angel network and venture capital as well as for public funding including grants, pre-seed funding, micro-loans and venture matches.

Brennan is an accomplished executive and entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in both growth and startup organizations. He has founded five companies, raised $12 million privately for one and cumulatively employed more than 200 people in Michigan.

Free Capital Raise Meetup lectures are set from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Macomb-OU INCubator on Tuesdays, including April 7, May 5, June 2, Sept. 1, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3. After his group presentations, Brennan will be available to further assist participating companies in determining individual needs.

The incubator is located in the Velocity building at 6633 Eighteen Mile Road in Sterling Heights. Those interested in attending the lectures are asked to register in advance by contacting Joan Carleton at (586) 884-9324 or macINC@oakland.edu.

The Macomb-Oakland University INCubator supports economic development in Southeast Michigan by accelerating high-tech businesses, cultivating academic innovation and encouraging research & development. To help small businesses grow, the incubator creates customized success strategies for startup and emerging companies in the niche industries of defense, homeland security, advanced manufacturing and technology. For more information, visit the incubator website at oakland.edu/macombouinc.

Fifth Third Bank, Eastern Michigan, is based in Southfield, Michigan and led by President David F. Girodat. Fifth Third Bank is metropolitan Detroit’s fourth largest bank and has $4.2 billion in assets. Fifth Third Bank serves customers in eight southeastern Michigan counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Shiawassee, Livingston, Genesee and Washtenaw. Fifth Third Bank currently operates 91 banking centers, and more than 150 ATMs throughout eastern Michigan. Fifth Third Bank is proud to be named as one of the “101 Best & Brightest Place to Work” by the Michigan Business and Professional Association and a Top Place to Work” by the Detroit Free Press.