Momentum

Engage with Momentum!

The Momentum 2010 program has officially ended, but the work has just begun! Our start-ups are busy building their companies, networking and pitching to investors. The Momentum leadership team continues to strategize ways to increase Momentum’s impact and expand its outreach. And of course we continue to look for our next batch of great start-ups!

Applications for Momentum 2011 will open on November 5th. In the meantime, we will be hosting a series of events and open houses throughout the year to help grow the Momentum community. If you are interested in plugging in, check out our upcoming events at www.startupwm.com

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Kudos to the growing Momentum community-people & organizations who support the WM Start-up Culture!

Thanks to everyone who came out to Demo Day 2010! The Momentum Teams rocked and we could not be more proud! Twelve weeks of hard work, focus and guidance have paid off and they are on their way! We would like to thank all of the people and organizations that have contributed their talents, time, and resources to support Momentum 2010 and West Michigan start-up community.

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JaiPlace.com Launch – Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Grand Rapids, MI – July 20, 2010 – The new JaiPlace.com is preparing to launch after many weeks of development. JaiPlace, created early this year by Jess Tomaz and Al Tomaz, is an interactive web-experience for consumers interested in personal and planetary wellness. The company is a finalist for the Innovation Michigan Award and was selected as a participant for the 2010 Momentum Michigan program created by visionary Rick DeVos.

JaiPlace’s mission is to simplify the road to healthy and sustainable living for all. JaiPlace.com provides education and networking, along with authentic green and wellness products all in the context of a supportive community. “Our passion is inspiring and empowering people to reach their goals for optimum living,” says JaiPlace CEO Jess Tomaz.

This is the first website of its kind to have a Grand Rapids focus, including a local business directory and events calendar covering all areas of conscious living. JaiPlace features everything from health food stores and farmer’s markets to yoga and alternative healthcare. “Though our long term vision is to have a national, even global appeal, we are very excited about starting in West Michigan,” says Tomaz. “There are a lot of wellness initiatives here and a community that is passionate about protecting Michigan’s natural beauty and precious resources.” Understanding the connection between personal wellness and environmental sustainability is what JaiPlace is about. JaiPlace is committed to social and environmental responsibility and sources products that were created with fair labor practices.

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Win-Win Partnering

Every Monday afternoon Momentum teams gather at Grand Valley State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation to discuss the relevance of Guy Kawasaki’s book The Art of the Start and meet with area start up gurus. Momentum’s Art of the Start discussions are facilitated by Mike Morin, Momentum Team Director and SVP at MediaGuide .

Win-Win Partnering

Most partnerships will fail. How do you create one that will succeed? It takes work, business savvy, great relationships, and a lot of trust.

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Entrepreneurial Stewardship and Financial Literacy-lessons from Ron Bullis

At our weekly Momentum dinner at The Factory couple of weeks ago, the Momentum teams had the pleasure of a visit from Ron Bullis of Northwestern Mutual and The Ella Bullis Foundation.

As a business owner and perpetual entrepreneur, Ron’s specialization is in business planning, with a passion for teaching stewardship and financial literacy. Along with his non-profit, Ella Bullis Foundation, Ron now runs a strong and growing practice with new and established business owners and professionals, primarily located in West Michigan. He is also a frequent presenter of financial literacy and stewardship seminars.

Ron shared the personal story of his business, Platinum One; how he achieved rapid financial success; and the mistakes he made that caused his business and personal financial collapse. Today, Ron draws on his experiences and entrepreneurial spirit to lead the Ella Bullis Foundation, a charity he founded to benefit families of babies in the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit. Ron talked about how his experience in losing his business, investments, and personal property, and the death of his daughter, have made him passionate about entrepreneurial stewardship and financial literacy. Here is what he shared:

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Cutting through the clutter-great advice from media guru Nick Wasmiller

What is the best way for a startup to communicate its message and get the media’s attention? On June 18, the Momentum teams learned first hand from local public relations guru Nick Wasmiller of SeyferthPR. These days, media outlets are working with half the staff and are getting double the requests. They are inundated with e-mails and phone calls. Nick gave us some valuable tips on cutting through the clutter.



Engaging Reporters:

• The media is the gatekeeper to the audiences that entrepreneurs are trying to influence. When engaging reporters, it is important to understand their readership/viewership and how your company/story relates to them. What is your purpose? Who are you trying to influence? Why should they care? Remember -Audience/Purpose/Message.
• Research reporters to see who covers your industry.
• Begin with your local media, it will influence bigger stories down the road.
• Reporters hate attachments. Post your news release in the body of your e-mail.
• Develop a fact sheet about your company and bios to have handy when reporters want more information.
• Position yourself as an expert. Reporters are covering a variety of topics and are not proficient in all of them. Be the go-to person in your industry.
• Be available to reporters for follow-up questions.
• Research bloggers who are the influencers in your industry and engage them.

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It’s almost here!  Momentum Demo Day 2010!

A community the supports a start-up culture attracts and retains creative talent!

After 12 exciting weeks of focus, hard work, and the guidance of our fabulous mentors, the Momentum start-ups of 2010 are ready show their stuff!

Please join us on July 26th as Varsity News Network, TerraPerks, JaiPlace, and Learning Interfaces, present their venture opportunities to the business and investment community.

We hope to see you there!

WHAT: Momentum Demo Day 2010

WHEN: Monday, July 26th 5:30-7:30PM

WHERE: GVSU’s Loosemore Auditorium

REGISTRATION: http://demoday2010.eventbrite.com

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It’s almost here!  Momentum Demo Day 2010!

*A community that supports a vibrant start-up culture attracts and retains creative talent. *
After 12 exciting weeks of focus, hard work, and the guidance of our fabulous mentors, the Momentum start-ups of 2010 are ready show their stuff!

Please join us on July 26th as Varsity News Network, TerraPerks, JaiPlace, and Learning Interfaces, present their venture opportunities to the business and investment community.

We hope to see you there!

WHAT: Momentum Demo Day 2010

WHEN: Monday, July 26th 5:30-7:30PM

WHERE: GVSU’s Loosemore Auditorium

REGISTRATION: http://demoday2010.eventbrite.com

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The Art of Raising of Raising Capital in Michigan

Thanks to all of our panelists, partners and attendees who helped to make The Art of Raising Capital in Michigan a great event!

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West Michigan’s Entrepreneurs Have Another Resource

Ever feel like you can’t get connected to the right resources?

Momentum Partner, Grand Valley State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is pleased to bring you the Entreprnr Resource Guide. The site includes information about business acceleration and advisory services, access to capital, and incubation services. It also contains an information and education section to help entrepreneurs who are self-motivated learners.

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