Three Takeaways: BRCC

Experienced entrepreneur and investor Steve Haakenson shares his “bottom line” advice for budding entrepreneurs looking to expand and grow their businesses in Michigan.

Steve Haakenson knows first-hand the resources and support required to start a company. Before serving as executive director of the Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center (BRCC), Steve launched several service-based companies in Michigan.

Headquartered at Western Michigan University, the BRCC provides early-stage investment funds to hi-tech start-ups that focus on services, products and tools in the life sciences sector. Steve and his team identify, evaluate and support entrepreneurs in the state because they understand the impact high-tech, highly skilled companies have on Michigan’s ecosystem.

In the following video, Steve shares three takeaways for entrepreneurs looking to launch and grow their businesses.

1. Take advice from everyone. Though it may not always be perfect advice, anyone can provide useful feedback to help grow your business.
2. Network to the best of your ability. Reach out to as many people as you can. Connections are vital to obtaining resources, support and funding that can help your start-up grow. MEDC programs like the Pure Michigan Business Connect are a great option, as they can help you establish long-lasting business partnerships in and outside the state through matchmaking events, targeted searches and business contacts in your industry.
3. Do your research. Get to know your industry. Customer discovery, industry trends and local research are good places to start. You can use connections made through networking and reach out to experts in the field to discover even more.

To learn more about how MEDC can help businesses of all sizes expand and grow in Michigan, visit michiganbusiness.org/partnership.

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