Advancing Economic Development in Ann Arbor, USA

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June 2008 21st Century Jobs Fund Business Plan Competition Update

Pfizer Equipment Donation Information >>

Business News of Note >>

SPARK Awards Pre-Seed Capital Funds
$5.4 million has been awarded to 25 emerging companies.

More on the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund >>

Michael Finney Among 2007 Newsmakers of the Year
In January, Crain’s Detroit Business released their 2007 Newsmakers of the Year list. Michael Finney, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK made the top 10! Click here to read the whole story and see who else made the list.

Two major universities, hundreds of high technology businesses, one of the most highly skilled, highly educated work forces in the nation. It's no wonder entrepreneurs are inspired here, no surprise that innovation is at home here. The Ann Arbor area is energized with opportunity. We invite you to join us.

The Ann Arbor Region in the News

Ypsilanti's Sidetrack Bar and Grill in GQ's 20 Best Burgers in America
    19. Our Famous Burger
    Sidetrack Bar and Grill
    Ypsilanti, MI
Click here to see the full article.

Congratulations to Leader & Innovator of the Year Award, Velcura Therapeutics!
Click here to view the whole story.

“I have long thought of Ann Arbor as one of the best buys and one of the best places to live in the United States, across the board." -Richard Florida in metromode | Click here to read the article.

42. Ann Arbor
42 ann arbor

Fortune's 100 best places to live and launch
includes Ann Arbor SPARK, a public-private
partnership that supports energy startups, and a
statewide Pre-Seed Capital Fund that targets tech
companies. Click here to see the full article.

SPARK business and career services available:

Ann Arbor, Michigan
47.90% with a bachelor's degree or higher; 4.64% with a Ph.D. and 3.75% with a professional degree...read more about the No. 4 Smartest City in America >>

Ann Arbor SPARK wins Diversification Excellence Award read more >>

New York Times “53 Best Places to go in 2008”: DETROIT - Historically crime-ridden Detroit may not spring to mind as a hot tourist spot, but don't tell that to the city's bullish hoteliers. Newcomers include the MGM Grand Detroit, the MotorCity Casino Hotel in an old Wonder Bread factory and the historic Book Cadillac Hotel, being transformed into a Westin. Plus, the Detroit Institute of Arts just reopened after a $158 million renovation. read the article >>