MEDC seeks business service provider proposals for start-up support

The Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from nonprofit organizations and universities in Michigan to provide specialized support services to assist entrepreneurs

LANSING– The Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) from nonprofit organizations and universities in Michigan to provide specialized support services to assist entrepreneurs in launching and growing high-tech companies throughout the state.   

“Early-stage companies represent high growth potential and very good-paying jobs. They also require specialized support and access to a strong network of public and private resources,” said MEDC President and CEO Michael A. Finney. “We are confident that with the support of these organizations and the types of services they will provide, we will continue to accelerate the growth of innovative technology start-ups and create more jobs in Michigan.”    

The total amount of available funding is $5.25 million. This funding will be disbursed over a performance period of up to three years. The MSF is seeking proposals in these three entrepreneurial service gap areas:   

• First Customer Program ($1.5 million): Services and programs to assist companies to identify, introduce, and close deals with “first” customers. This will include start-up companies and companies diversifying into new markets, requiring preparation for and introduction to first customers. 

 

• Industry Consortium Programs ($500,000): Consortium or partnering services and programs for specific industry areas such as medical devices or clean technology for the purpose of facilitating the growth of tech companies and keeping the manufacturing of those technologies in Michigan. 

 

• Federal Grant Matching Funds ($3.25 million): Programs to provide commercialization matching funds to companies receiving technology research federal grants. 

Only nonprofit organizations and universities are eligible to receive funding through this RFP. In order to be considered, applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal for delivering entrepreneurial services in one of the three gap areas. Proposals must be limited to seven pages in length and must include a detailed description of the proposed services, experience, milestones, budget and economic impact.   

The RFP can be viewed online here:  

http://www.michiganbusiness.org/public-notices-rfps/   

Proposals must be submitted to the MSF via email in PDF format to 2012ESP@michigan.org by September 5, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Proposals will not be accepted via U.S. mail or any other delivery method.   

Prospective bidders may submit questions regarding the RFP via email by Monday, August 27 at 3:00 p.m. to 2012ESP@michigan.org. Please note: The MSF will not respond to questions that are not received by the above date and time. In addition, questions that are phoned, faxed or sent through regular mail will not be accepted.   

Responses to all qualifying questions will be posted on the MEDC’s website, www.michiganbusiness.org on August 29, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.   

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.