News
The MORE Program September 2011 NewsLetter
Check out all the latest news for The MORE Program this month.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program Launches InsYght
Ken Agacinski of The MORE Program joins Craig Fahle on WDET Radio to launch InsYght.
» LISTEN NOW
The MORE Program launches InsYght to match Michigan entrepreneurs with available resources statewide
A new online referral system meant to help Michigan entrepreneurs start or build their businesses launches today.
» READ MORE
MORE Program Events and Meetings
The response to the April 25th presentation by The MORE Program to the members of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance(NLEA) during a meeting at North Central Michigan Collegein Petoskey has been overwhelmingly positive.
» READ MORE
Featured Entrepreneur - James Smith Moore
Jimmy Kicks is voter-chosen designer athletic footwear. Colorful, individual designs are submitted to Jimmy Kicks, online voters pick the winners, and the shoes get made!
» READ MORE
The Jutila Center - A Collaborative Community
Finlandia University’s Jutila Center, located at 200 Michigan Street in Hancock, Michigan was opened in 2005. The Jutila Center is a small-business incubator with more than 30 leasable spaces and other resources for business, including design and business consulting, rapid prototyping, and training seminars.
» READ MORE
Free Resource Helps Business Owners diagnose Software Bugs
Bugs are a reality for all software developers. These unintended computer problems are time consuming and ultimately very costly for business owners.
» READ MORE
Featured Entrepreneur – Maria Stapulionis
Maria Stapulionis is like a lot of metro-Detroiters. She’s trying to reinvent herself.
» READ MORE
Upcoming Events and Meetings
April has been a busy month and May looks to be just as promising for executives of The MORE Program, as they continue to reach out to government councils, commissions and development groups across Michigan to meet with leadership, begin to build relationships and spread the word.
» READ MORE
Still holding your MOU?
If you haven’t returned your signed Memorandum of Understanding to The MORE Program, think about sending it today.
» READ MORE
Spread the word about InsYght
Already signed your MOU? Share the news in your local community. Let your constituents know about the benefits of The MORE Program and InsYght. We’ve created some materials to help you spread the word.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As InsYght gains attention and support, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Featured Entrepreneur Resource - Crowdfunding
There’s a new catchword gaining traction in the entrepreneurial world: “Crowdfunding.” It’s a great new way for entrepreneurs to raise capital to bring their businesses to reality.
» READ MORE
Meetings and Appearances
Executives from The MORE Program are reaching out to government councils, commissions and development groups across Michigan to meet the leadership, begin to build relationships and spread the word about InsYght.
» READ MORE
Design Your Organization’s Custom InsYght System
Partners of The MORE Program who have returned the MOUs began receiving the customizable templates for their web presence this month. Now, our partners will be able to begin transitioning to a custom website fully connected to the InsYght network of entrepreneur resources.
» READ MORE
InsYght Media Packet
Already signed your MOU and joined with The MORE Program? Share the news with your media contacts and your local community. Let your constituents know about the benefits of The MORE Program and InsYght. We’ve created some materials to help you spread the word.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program Needs Your MOU’s
Haven’t returned your signed Memorandum of Understanding to The MORE Program yet? We’d love to get it soon.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As The MORE Program gains attention and support, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Revitalization & Business Conference
Executives from The MORE Program participated in the “Revitalization & Business” conference at the Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor, January 21.
» READ MORE
Michigan Local Government Management Association
The MORE Program appeared at the recent Michigan Local Government Management Association’s “Winter Institute” conference, held at the historic Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, February 1-4.
» READ MORE
Oakland County Business Roundtable – March 8
Executive Director Ken Agacinski will be speaking with the members of the Oakland County Economic Development Roundtable in March.
» READ MORE
InsYght is entering the next phase
InsYght, The MORE Program’s entrepreneur resource matching system, is entering the next phase of development, according to Executive Director Ken Agacinski.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program hires new Communications Director
Mike Gentile, a public affairs, marketing and brand development specialist, has joined The MORE Program to manage the organization’s daily communication.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As The MORE Program gains attention and support, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the January 2011 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this newsletter as one way to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program and the U.S. Small Business Administration
Executives from The MORE Program will travel to Washington, D.C. this month to meet with members of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
» READ MORE
Accelerate Michigan
Executives from The MORE Program attended the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Conference and Competition in Ann Arbor last month.
» READ MORE
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Visits
Representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office visited The MORE Program offices in December
» READ MORE
Brian Balasia named a Marshall Fellow
CEO of Digerati and President of The MORE Program, has been named a Marshall Fellow and will be participating in the German Marshall Fellowship program in Europe during February and March 2011.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As The MORE Program gains attention and support from a variety of sectors, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the December 2010 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
Happy New Year from The MORE Program
New Year’s Day will soon be here and with it, 2011. This year, The MORE Program officially launches insYght, the comprehensive source for entrepreneur solutions. This new system will offer you the ability to make connections with the most business resources ever assembled.
» READ MORE
We’re adding partners every day
Progress continues for The MORE Program. We continue to add partners and find supporters all around the state.
» READ MORE
Progress continues
Our development team continues to make progress bringing insYght on line. The new resource collection system designed to help us more quickly identify and access business support resources has been a big boost to our development efforts.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the November 2010 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this
newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to
provide updates about the growth and expansion of the InsYght network.
» READ MORE
We’re adding partners
It’s been a busy time for us at The MORE Program. We’ve had a full schedule of visits,
meetings and presentations to add new partners and new resources for entrepreneurs and
business owners. This work has resulted in forming many new important partnerships.
» READ MORE
Progress continues
Our development team is making significant progress toward launching InsYght. One i
mportant advancement was the creation of a new resource collection system designed to
more quickly identify and define business support resources.
» READ MORE
Partnerships Grow in Nation’s Capitol
Leadership of The MORE Program traveled to Washington, D.C. in October for meetings
with federal agencies. These were great opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships,
establish new relationships, and continue to build awareness for InsYght and The MORE Program.
» READ MORE
CEOs for Cities
Business and city leaders from around the nation gathered in Detroit November 8-9 for
the CEO for Cities’ “Urban Leaders Summit.” The MORE Program was represented at the event.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program Partners with Michigan Community Colleges
The MORE Program met with Michigan Community Colleges Association which included leadership
representing all of Michigan’s 28 community colleges.
» READ MORE
Speaking Engagements
Many of our partners are inviting The MORE Program to present InSyght to their member
organizations. These groups represent business leaders, foundations, learning institutions,
and civic leadership.
» READ MORE
The Skillman Foundation
The MORE Program met with representatives of the Skillman Foundation to plan approaches to
ensure that InsYght is available to people with limited access to the internet.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We’ll be using this
newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to
provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
Introducing InsYght, the Statewide Entrepreneurship Support System
Perhaps the most important function of The MORE Program will be its ability to connect
entrepreneurs and innovators to the resources they need to help them advance their businesses.
InsYght will aggregate, filter and provide access to entrepreneurial support mechanisms
throughout Michigan in order to help entrepreneurs succeed.
» READ MORE
It Was a Great Convention
The MORE Program was well represented during the Michigan Municipal League’s 2010 Annual
Convention at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn September 21-24. Brian Balasia was a featured
speaker during the first morning’s general session.
» READ MORE
Brian on The Great Voice of the Great Lakes
Brian Balasia, CEO of Digerati and president of The MORE Program, was interviewed by
MML Executive Director Dan Gilmartin, host of The Prosperity Agenda, a radio program about
the MML broadcast on WJR-AM 760.
» Click here to listen to the podcast of Brian’s interview.
Scroll down to Brian’s segment.
Local Partner News
Already, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Automation Alley, Tech Town
and the Macomb-Oakland University INCubator, among others, have joined with The MORE Program
to help entrepreneurs. But the biggest boost came from none other than the United States
Department of Commerce.
» READ MORE
The Department of Commerce Signs an MOU
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke came to Auburn Hills, Mich. September 1st to
announce the Commerce Department’s official partnership with The MORE Program.
» READ MORE
Commerce Secretary announces help for entrepreneurs
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke visited Oakland County today
to announce new steps to aid entrepreneurs in Michigan and elsewhere.
» READ MORE
Business Network Aims to Aid Metro Entrepreneurs
Four major business development organizations in the region
plan to announce today they are teaming up to form the new Business
Accelerator Network of Southeast Michigan.
» READ MORE
Statewide Entrepreneurship Support System
The Michigan Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs
Program (MORE) was awarded a grant of $356,250 in 2009, to
support phase one of the creation of (SESS)
» READ MORE
112th Annual Convention - September 21-24, 2010
League Convention programming is centered on the eight critical
assets for vibrant communities as identified by our Center for 21st
Century Communities (21c3)…
» READ MORE
Haven’t returned your signed Memorandum of Understanding to The MORE Program yet? We’d love to get it soon.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As The MORE Program gains attention and support, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Revitalization & Business Conference
Executives from The MORE Program participated in the “Revitalization & Business” conference at the Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor, January 21.
» READ MORE
Michigan Local Government Management Association
The MORE Program appeared at the recent Michigan Local Government Management Association’s “Winter Institute” conference, held at the historic Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, February 1-4.
» READ MORE
Oakland County Business Roundtable – March 8
Executive Director Ken Agacinski will be speaking with the members of the Oakland County Economic Development Roundtable in March.
» READ MORE
InsYght is entering the next phase
InsYght, The MORE Program’s entrepreneur resource matching system, is entering the next phase of development, according to Executive Director Ken Agacinski.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program hires new Communications Director
Mike Gentile, a public affairs, marketing and brand development specialist, has joined The MORE Program to manage the organization’s daily communication.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As The MORE Program gains attention and support, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the January 2011 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this newsletter as one way to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program and the U.S. Small Business Administration
Executives from The MORE Program will travel to Washington, D.C. this month to meet with members of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
» READ MORE
Accelerate Michigan
Executives from The MORE Program attended the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Conference and Competition in Ann Arbor last month.
» READ MORE
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Visits
Representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office visited The MORE Program offices in December
» READ MORE
Brian Balasia named a Marshall Fellow
CEO of Digerati and President of The MORE Program, has been named a Marshall Fellow and will be participating in the German Marshall Fellowship program in Europe during February and March 2011.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As The MORE Program gains attention and support from a variety of sectors, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the December 2010 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
Happy New Year from The MORE Program
New Year’s Day will soon be here and with it, 2011. This year, The MORE Program officially launches insYght, the comprehensive source for entrepreneur solutions. This new system will offer you the ability to make connections with the most business resources ever assembled.
» READ MORE
We’re adding partners every day
Progress continues for The MORE Program. We continue to add partners and find supporters all around the state.
» READ MORE
Progress continues
Our development team continues to make progress bringing insYght on line. The new resource collection system designed to help us more quickly identify and access business support resources has been a big boost to our development efforts.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the November 2010 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this
newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to
provide updates about the growth and expansion of the InsYght network.
» READ MORE
We’re adding partners
It’s been a busy time for us at The MORE Program. We’ve had a full schedule of visits,
meetings and presentations to add new partners and new resources for entrepreneurs and
business owners. This work has resulted in forming many new important partnerships.
» READ MORE
Progress continues
Our development team is making significant progress toward launching InsYght. One i
mportant advancement was the creation of a new resource collection system designed to
more quickly identify and define business support resources.
» READ MORE
Partnerships Grow in Nation’s Capitol
Leadership of The MORE Program traveled to Washington, D.C. in October for meetings
with federal agencies. These were great opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships,
establish new relationships, and continue to build awareness for InsYght and The MORE Program.
» READ MORE
CEOs for Cities
Business and city leaders from around the nation gathered in Detroit November 8-9 for
the CEO for Cities’ “Urban Leaders Summit.” The MORE Program was represented at the event.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program Partners with Michigan Community Colleges
The MORE Program met with Michigan Community Colleges Association which included leadership
representing all of Michigan’s 28 community colleges.
» READ MORE
Speaking Engagements
Many of our partners are inviting The MORE Program to present InSyght to their member
organizations. These groups represent business leaders, foundations, learning institutions,
and civic leadership.
» READ MORE
The Skillman Foundation
The MORE Program met with representatives of the Skillman Foundation to plan approaches to
ensure that InsYght is available to people with limited access to the internet.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We’ll be using this
newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to
provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
Introducing InsYght, the Statewide Entrepreneurship Support System
Perhaps the most important function of The MORE Program will be its ability to connect
entrepreneurs and innovators to the resources they need to help them advance their businesses.
InsYght will aggregate, filter and provide access to entrepreneurial support mechanisms
throughout Michigan in order to help entrepreneurs succeed.
» READ MORE
It Was a Great Convention
The MORE Program was well represented during the Michigan Municipal League’s 2010 Annual
Convention at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn September 21-24. Brian Balasia was a featured
speaker during the first morning’s general session.
» READ MORE
Brian on The Great Voice of the Great Lakes
Brian Balasia, CEO of Digerati and president of The MORE Program, was interviewed by
MML Executive Director Dan Gilmartin, host of The Prosperity Agenda, a radio program about
the MML broadcast on WJR-AM 760.
» Click here to listen to the podcast of Brian’s interview.
Scroll down to Brian’s segment.
Local Partner News
Already, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Automation Alley, Tech Town
and the Macomb-Oakland University INCubator, among others, have joined with The MORE Program
to help entrepreneurs. But the biggest boost came from none other than the United States
Department of Commerce.
» READ MORE
The Department of Commerce Signs an MOU
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke came to Auburn Hills, Mich. September 1st to
announce the Commerce Department’s official partnership with The MORE Program.
» READ MORE
Commerce Secretary announces help for entrepreneurs
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke visited Oakland County today
to announce new steps to aid entrepreneurs in Michigan and elsewhere.
» READ MORE
Business Network Aims to Aid Metro Entrepreneurs
Four major business development organizations in the region
plan to announce today they are teaming up to form the new Business
Accelerator Network of Southeast Michigan.
» READ MORE
Statewide Entrepreneurship Support System
The Michigan Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs
Program (MORE) was awarded a grant of $356,250 in 2009, to
support phase one of the creation of (SESS)
» READ MORE
112th Annual Convention - September 21-24, 2010
League Convention programming is centered on the eight critical
assets for vibrant communities as identified by our Center for 21st
Century Communities (21c3)…
» READ MORE
As The MORE Program gains attention and support, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Revitalization & Business Conference
Executives from The MORE Program participated in the “Revitalization & Business” conference at the Ross School of Business in Ann Arbor, January 21.
» READ MORE
Michigan Local Government Management Association
The MORE Program appeared at the recent Michigan Local Government Management Association’s “Winter Institute” conference, held at the historic Westin Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit, February 1-4.
» READ MORE
Oakland County Business Roundtable – March 8
Executive Director Ken Agacinski will be speaking with the members of the Oakland County Economic Development Roundtable in March.
» READ MORE
InsYght is entering the next phase
InsYght, The MORE Program’s entrepreneur resource matching system, is entering the next phase of development, according to Executive Director Ken Agacinski.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program hires new Communications Director
Mike Gentile, a public affairs, marketing and brand development specialist, has joined The MORE Program to manage the organization’s daily communication.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As The MORE Program gains attention and support, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the January 2011 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this newsletter as one way to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program and the U.S. Small Business Administration
Executives from The MORE Program will travel to Washington, D.C. this month to meet with members of the U.S. Small Business Administration.
» READ MORE
Accelerate Michigan
Executives from The MORE Program attended the Accelerate Michigan Innovation Conference and Competition in Ann Arbor last month.
» READ MORE
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Visits
Representatives from the United States Patent and Trademark Office visited The MORE Program offices in December
» READ MORE
Brian Balasia named a Marshall Fellow
CEO of Digerati and President of The MORE Program, has been named a Marshall Fellow and will be participating in the German Marshall Fellowship program in Europe during February and March 2011.
» READ MORE
More new partners
As The MORE Program gains attention and support from a variety of sectors, we continue to add partners from around the state and the country.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the December 2010 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
Happy New Year from The MORE Program
New Year’s Day will soon be here and with it, 2011. This year, The MORE Program officially launches insYght, the comprehensive source for entrepreneur solutions. This new system will offer you the ability to make connections with the most business resources ever assembled.
» READ MORE
We’re adding partners every day
Progress continues for The MORE Program. We continue to add partners and find supporters all around the state.
» READ MORE
Progress continues
Our development team continues to make progress bringing insYght on line. The new resource collection system designed to help us more quickly identify and access business support resources has been a big boost to our development efforts.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the November 2010 edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We distribute this newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to provide updates about the growth and expansion of the InsYght network.
» READ MORE
We’re adding partners
It’s been a busy time for us at The MORE Program. We’ve had a full schedule of visits, meetings and presentations to add new partners and new resources for entrepreneurs and business owners. This work has resulted in forming many new important partnerships.
» READ MORE
Progress continues
Our development team is making significant progress toward launching InsYght. One i mportant advancement was the creation of a new resource collection system designed to more quickly identify and define business support resources.
» READ MORE
Partnerships Grow in Nation’s Capitol
Leadership of The MORE Program traveled to Washington, D.C. in October for meetings with federal agencies. These were great opportunities to strengthen existing partnerships, establish new relationships, and continue to build awareness for InsYght and The MORE Program.
» READ MORE
CEOs for Cities
Business and city leaders from around the nation gathered in Detroit November 8-9 for the CEO for Cities’ “Urban Leaders Summit.” The MORE Program was represented at the event.
» READ MORE
The MORE Program Partners with Michigan Community Colleges
The MORE Program met with Michigan Community Colleges Association which included leadership representing all of Michigan’s 28 community colleges.
» READ MORE
Speaking Engagements
Many of our partners are inviting The MORE Program to present InSyght to their member organizations. These groups represent business leaders, foundations, learning institutions, and civic leadership.
» READ MORE
The Skillman Foundation
The MORE Program met with representatives of the Skillman Foundation to plan approaches to ensure that InsYght is available to people with limited access to the internet.
» READ MORE
Welcome
Welcome to the inaugural edition of The MORE Program newsletter. We’ll be using this newsletter as one means to keep you informed about the progress of The MORE Program and to provide updates about our growth and expansion.
» READ MORE
Introducing InsYght, the Statewide Entrepreneurship Support System
Perhaps the most important function of The MORE Program will be its ability to connect entrepreneurs and innovators to the resources they need to help them advance their businesses. InsYght will aggregate, filter and provide access to entrepreneurial support mechanisms throughout Michigan in order to help entrepreneurs succeed.
» READ MORE
It Was a Great Convention
The MORE Program was well represented during the Michigan Municipal League’s 2010 Annual Convention at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn September 21-24. Brian Balasia was a featured speaker during the first morning’s general session.
» READ MORE
Brian on The Great Voice of the Great Lakes
Brian Balasia, CEO of Digerati and president of The MORE Program, was interviewed by MML Executive Director Dan Gilmartin, host of The Prosperity Agenda, a radio program about the MML broadcast on WJR-AM 760.
» Click here to listen to the podcast of Brian’s interview. Scroll down to Brian’s segment.
Local Partner News
Already, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Automation Alley, Tech Town and the Macomb-Oakland University INCubator, among others, have joined with The MORE Program to help entrepreneurs. But the biggest boost came from none other than the United States Department of Commerce.
» READ MORE
The Department of Commerce Signs an MOU
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke came to Auburn Hills, Mich. September 1st to announce the Commerce Department’s official partnership with The MORE Program.
» READ MORE
Commerce Secretary announces help for entrepreneurs
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke visited Oakland County today to announce new steps to aid entrepreneurs in Michigan and elsewhere.
» READ MORE
Business Network Aims to Aid Metro Entrepreneurs
Four major business development organizations in the region plan to announce today they are teaming up to form the new Business Accelerator Network of Southeast Michigan.
» READ MORE
Statewide Entrepreneurship Support System
The Michigan Opportunities and Resources for Entrepreneurs Program (MORE) was awarded a grant of $356,250 in 2009, to support phase one of the creation of (SESS)
» READ MORE
112th Annual Convention - September 21-24, 2010
League Convention programming is centered on the eight critical assets for vibrant communities as identified by our Center for 21st Century Communities (21c3)…
» READ MORE