New alliance will accelerate business investment in Great Lakes Bay Region
Midland, Mich. (March 7, 2022) – Michigan Capital Network and Midland-based Bluewater Angels (BWA) investing group, announced today a new partnership with the Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC). The purpose of this new alliance is to strengthen
the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Great Lakes Bay Region, helping more business connect with prospective investors.
“The value of this new partnership is in the connection it will foster for startup businesses in the region and early stage investors,” said Leland Richards, director of BlueWater Angels. “CMURC has four business hubs that have a proven record of accelerating business growth. Our state’s economy and our investors will benefit from being more closely aligned with their organization.”
BlueWater Angels is one of five regional angel investing groups that make up the Michigan Capital Network (MCN) trade association. Combined, the association has over 160 active members with investments in nearly 100 companies, generating more than 2,000 jobs through those investments.
“We are fortunate to be able to join forces with BlueWater Angels and Michigan Capital Network as it aligns with our designated Michigan Economic Development Corporation strategic partnership for providing business guidance and helping companies with fundraising effort,” said Erin Strang, president and CEO of CMURC. “As a research-based business acceleration group, we strive to nurture entrepreneurs. When that happens, they will be able to garner the attention of prospective investors through this alliance.”
The agreement will establish a more collaborative and strategic method for connecting entrepreneurs and startup companies with angel investors through pitch nights and similar meet and greet events throughout the region. The first event will take place on March 9, 2022, at CMURC’s Midland coworking space. Those interested in learning more about this event may contact organizers at lee@michigancapitalnetwork.com.
“As the largest and most active angel investing association in the state, we are always looking to create new opportunities for business growth and investment,” said Paul D’Amato, CEO of Michigan Capital Network. “This new partnership with CMURC is a meaningful step in boosting new business development opportunities in the mid-Michigan region.”
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About Michigan Capital Network
Michigan Capital Network (MCN) is a non-profit trade association representing five regional angel investment groups – BlueWater Angels, Flint Angels, Woodward Angels, Ka-Zoo Angels and Grand Angels. MCN also has found dedicated venture capital funds which invest separately from the angel groups. Michigan angel investors specialize in supporting capital-efficient, early-stage enterprises in our state. The association is committed to utilizing its financial, intellectual and networking resources to help its portfolio companies grow and positively impact the Michigan economy.
About Central Michigan University Research Corporation
CMURC is a professional and diverse coworking space with accelerator programs focused on product and strategic development for entrepreneurs to positively impact the economy in the Great Lakes Bay Region. It brings together local, regional and statewide partners to accelerate the success of entrepreneurs, professionals, and corporations growing businesses and jobs by leveraging the resources of Central Michigan University, the Mount Pleasant SmartZone District and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. CMURC is committed to inclusive entrepreneurship with the ultimate goal of closing the opportunity gap because people from all backgrounds deserve access to business and entrepreneurial resources.