ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Arbor SPARK celebrated the conclusion of its 16th Entrepreneur Boot Camp program with participant investor pitches and a reception on Wednesday, November 18. At the Ann Arbor SPARK Boot Camp Celebration, Current Motor Company was selected as the "Best of Boot Camp" winner, based on the quality of its investor pitch and business plan.
Current Motor Company is an Ann Arbor-based electric vehicle manufacturer. It builds all-electric motor scooters aimed at urban and suburban commuters. Formed in 2008, Current Motor Company is currently delivering its first bikes to customers.
"Boot Camp was a terrific experience - although at times it was like drinking from the fire hose," said John Harding, co-founder of Current Motor Company. "There was so much good info and at times it's hard to put it all into play. However, with the follow-up provided and with support from our mentors, we hope to be able to continue to strengthen our business plan as we seek funding. Two days of critique both from mentors and other participants really helped us clarify our value proposition and to push it front and center in our final pitch."
Ann Arbor SPARK expanded its Boot Camp this year to include an "after care" program that helps further entrepreneurial success for participating start-ups. At the conclusion of Boot Camp, every graduating company is eligible to receive $5,000 in business consulting through Ann Arbor SPARK as well as other critical start-up support:
- 3 months of occupancy at SPARK East
- 3 months of access to the SPARK Entrepreneur Expert Resource Board
- 3 business introductions from their Boot Camp mentors
"The after care program now offered as part of Ann Arbor SPARK's Entrepreneur Boot Camp provides entrepreneurs the support they need to hit the ground running," explained Michael A. Finney, Ann Arbor SPARK's CEO. "Alleviating the financial burdens of office space and related expenses is just one piece of the puzzle that Ann Arbor SPARK is helping to put in place. The real benefit that after care offers is access to a group of seasoned entrepreneurial experts via the SPARK Entrepreneur Expert Resource Board as well as the business introductions made for entrepreneurs by Boot Camp mentors."
Ann Arbor SPARK's Boot Camp is a two-day business planning and preparation event designed to help early stage technology businesses. A unique combination of hands-on learning and one-on-one mentoring, the event features noted speakers on entrepreneurship, successful local entrepreneurs and investors.
ABOUT ANN ARBOR SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK, a non-profit organization, is the driving force in establishing the Ann Arbor region as a destination for business expansion, retention, and location by identifying and meeting the needs of business at every stage, from startups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK represents all communities in the Washtenaw County. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Michigan Works!/ETCS, Washtenaw County, the City of Ann Arbor, the Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.
SOURCE Ann Arbor SPARK
