The U.S. government is a major buyer of goods and services. But how do businesses and entrepreneurs get prepared and connected to sell to the government?
A new program – 5 Steps to Start Up Business Bootcamp – is designed to help business owners and entrepreneurs do just that. An informational session will be held Feb. 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Happenings Room at the University of Michigan-Flint. Participants will learn about the five-week boot camp, which will be held Thursday evenings in March.
The informational session and boot camp are free, but registration is required at go.umflint.edu/IN.
The business bootcamp is a project of the UM-Flint University Outreach Innovation Incubator in partnership with the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers of Michigan (PTAC Region 6). People at any business stage can benefit from the sessions, including existing businesses, those in the idea stage and anyone curious about winning a government contract.
In addition to faculty and local entrepreneurs who will teach the sessions, representatives from various business-development agencies will be present, including: PTAC Region 6; the Michigan Small Business Development Center; Metro Community Development; the Inventors Council; Flint SOUP; and the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce.
Representatives from UM-Flint’s new University Center for Community & Economic Development will also be present. The center was created by a five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
The kickoff is an informal business casual reception. Hors d’oeuvres will be catered by Cork on Saginaw.
The Region 6 PTAC provides procurement advice and counseling to Michigan companies interested in doing business with local, state, and federal governments. Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency and MEDC, PTAC serves seven counties, including: Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Tuscola and Huron.
The University Outreach’s Innovation Incubator facilitates learning and community-building, to encourage social good, and to foster economic vitality.