Entrepreneurial growth and business development are highlights of the upcoming community event entitled the 2019 State of Entrepreneurship in Lenawee County. Hosted by the Adrian Armory Community Center and Launch Lenawee, the networking event and program are planned for Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 4-6 pm at the Adrian Armory.
Co-sponsors and presenters during the event include the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce, Tecumseh Area Chamber of Commerce, Lenawee Now, the City of Adrian and the City of Tecumseh, as well as others. They will provide a brief update of economic and program updates.
The event will allow local leaders to collaborate in an asset mapping process to benefit local entrepreneurs and start-up businesses.
“Development of the asset map will be used as a tool for aspiring and existing business owners to readily navigate the local resource maze in Lenawee County to find the expertise required, along with key contact information, to complete the valuable business connections needed during the start-up phases of a business,” said Jessica Sattler, City of Tecumseh Economic Development Director.
The public is invited to participate in this opportunity to socialize and network with other businesses and organizations from throughout Lenawee County, enjoy some refreshments, and hear about future projects.
The event will also include graduation of the students from the inaugural class of Launch Lenawee, introducing their businesses to the community.
“Our first class of Launch Lenawee began last fall, with a very intense eight-week classroom instruction using online Fasttrac training resources licensed through the Kauffman Foundation,” explained Mark Murray, co-founder of the Launch Lenawee program. “We partnered with Lenawee Now in presenting classroom materials and guiding the students through assignments that could be beneficial to many businesses in our community.”
Ongoing monthly mentoring and instructional sessions followed, guiding the entrepreneurs in further refining their business plans and introduction to necessary community resources for successful business development.
During the May 2nd event, the Launch Lenawee students will highlight portions of the instructional program, showcase business displays and interact personally with community advisors and attendees.
The entire Launch Lenawee program has focused on community collaboration with organizations, educational resources, and economic development entities throughout Lenawee County.
Candidates are being accepted for the next intake of Launch Lenawee, and are invited to this meeting to learn more about the program. Online applications are accepted through the Launch Lenawee website.