Ann Arbor Spark has teamed up with Washtenaw County’s Office of Community and Economic Development and the A2Y Chamber of Commerce to launch an online tool to assist new entrepreneurs and early-stage companies in growing their businesses.
After a business completes a 10-minute assessment, the Virtual Business Advisor identifies personal and company strengths and weaknesses against other companies in the region, and connects users to suggestions and free and/or low-cost resources to address their needs.
Next month’s launch of the Internet guide, at virtualbusinessadvisor.com, follows a productive year for Ann Arbor Spark. In 2013, the business accelerator, reported $148 million in new investments and more than 1,500 jobs committed to the Ann Arbor region.
“Startups and global companies alike chose to invest and grow in Ann Arbor, ultimately contributing jobs and investment to our economy,” says Tim Marshall, chair of Spark’s board of directors and executive committee. “Recognition for the Ann Arbor region continues to grow, and we’re becoming known as a place with a rich ecosystem of support that offers companies exactly what they need — at the right time — to reach their potential.”
For the accelerator’s full annual report for 2013, click here.
