DBusiness Daily Update: Michigan Women’s Expo Slated for Sept. 29-Oct.1 in Novi, and More

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.
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The Michigan Women’s Expo is expected to feature more than 300 booths offering a variety of products and services catering to women. // Courtesy of Kohler Expos
The Michigan Women’s Expo is expected to feature more than 300 booths offering a variety of products and services catering to women. // Courtesy of Kohler Expos

Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message.

Michigan Women’s Expo Slated for Sept. 29-Oct.1 in Novi

Kohler Expos Inc. in Hudsonville, southwest of Grand Rapids, has announced dates for the Michigan Women’s Expo, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

The event is expected to be the largest consumer event for women in southeast Michigan this year. The three-day expo will feature hundreds of women-owned and women-focused businesses offering products, services, samples, and demonstrations.

Kohler Expos has begun accepting applications for exhibitors in these and other areas:

  • Home organization
  • Kitchen and bath restyling
  • Culinary tools
  • Cleaning products
  • Gardening
  • Health and wellness
  • Weight loss
  • Chiropractic

“We’re delighted to bring our successful Women’s Expo brand to Novi by hosting a show that truly offers something for every woman, from fashion to health and fitness to home décor and more,” says Pam Glass, president and CEO of Kohler Expos, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. “We’ve already had strong interest from exhibitors around the state who recognize face-to-face marketing continues to be one of the best ways to engage customers.

“Whether you are an established business looking to attract new customers or a startup testing the waters with a new product or service, Michigan Women’s Expo provides an affordable way to engage directly with consumers.”

More information and the exhibitor application can be requested here. The expo will have approximately 300 that are expected to sell out.

Michigan Women’s Expo will include interactive areas spread throughout the show designed to entertain and enhance the patron experience, including:

  • Fashion boutiques where women can try on clothes and test out a new look
  • Hair styling trends and tips
  • Food sampling of various show favorites
  • Make-and-take workshops
  • Fashion
  • Jewelry
  • Purses
  • Accessories
  • Beauty and cosmetics
  • Skin care
  • Massage therapy
  • Pet items
  • Travel
  • Finance
  • Education
  • Food and beverages
  • Books
  • Hairstyling
  • Hair and nail care
  • Home décor
  • Unique gifts

The show also will feature a concessions and specialty drink area where attendees can relax and recharge. Door prizes will be offered throughout the event.

Kohler Expos got its start in Grand Rapids in 1998 producing West Michigan Women’s Expo. The company, which has been recognized as a top woman-owned business, now produces the largest consumer shows for women, including the annual West Michigan Women’s Expo in Grand Rapids and the annual Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo in Lansing, as well as the fall and winter Bridal Shows of West Michigan.

“My team and I are proud of the excellent brand reputation we have built by producing sold-out consumer shows for women for more than two decades,” Glass said. “We look forward to our September show in Novi, which promises a weekend of enjoyment, education and entertainment for women of all ages.”

For more information, visit here.

Michigan Venture Capital Association Receives $500K for Venture Fellows Program

Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) has relaunched its 2023 Venture Fellows Program thanks in part to a $500,000 grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, with support from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., to provide matching funds for growth of talent in Michigan’s venture firms and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The fellows program was first launched in 2011 with the purpose to increase the number of venture professionals in Michigan and to accelerate the fundraising and deployment of capital in the state.

Although the Michigan entrepreneurial and investment community has been successful in funding and employing professionals representing a diverse demographic, more progress can be made. This grant will allow MVCA to further help Michigan address an investor talent shortage and set a benchmark for the industry that more clearly reflects representative population and the companies they support.

“Talent is essential and a priority for Michigan and the relaunch of the Venture Fellows program will help assist Michigan investor funds to add more staff capacity in order to expand their efforts,” says Ara Topouzian, executive director of MVCA. “This program is meant to ignite a new generation of investors that will hopefully create their own funds and support Michigan’s entrepreneurial community.”

The Venture Fellows Program, which aims to attract and retain investment professionals in Michigan by matching emerging talent with local venture capital firms, has been structured with an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The program objectives are to:

  • Curate a network of diverse talent of venture fellows.
  • Establish the Michigan venture capital ecosystem as a leader in diverse talent.
  • Provide Michigan venture firms with the economic ability to take on junior talent.

The 2023 Venture Fellows Program will require candidates to have a track record of actively contributing to building a diverse and inclusive community, a commitment to diversity initiatives, and will incorporate training on diversity and inclusion as part of MVCAcademy, a required one-day training for Venture Fellows. In addition, venture firms who participate in the program will be required to submit a statement regarding their firm’s commitment to building an inclusive entrepreneurial and investment community in Michigan.

NextCycle Michigan Seeks to Accelerate Circular Economy Projects

NextCycle Michigan, an initiative of Michigan EGLE, provides free consulting on business and specialized industry topics, coaching and preparation to pitch ventures to funders, and networking with like-minded entrepreneurs, grantors, and investors.

Teams also attend a multi-day accelerator camp that includes workshops, sessions, networking, and coaching to get their projects shovel and investment ready. The track program culminates with a showcase where teams pitch their projects to an audience of peers, investors, community and industry leaders, and a judging panel.

NextCycle Michigan currently is seeking applications for two accelerator tracks through March 31. They are:

The Intergovernmental Initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships (I2P3) Track is seeking public sector-led projects to expand or develop effective material recovery programs and services in Michigan. City, county, and tribal governments, local authorities, non-profits, and universities are invited to apply.

The Recycling Supply Chain (RSC) Innovation Challenge Track is seeking private sector-led projects related to collection, processing, or end markets for reusable items or recyclable materials in Michigan. Entrepreneurs, businesses, non-profits, and universities are welcome to apply.

Ann Arbor’s Metric Marketing Earns Inc. Magazine Ranking

Inc. magazine has ranked Metric Marketing in Ann Arbor 168th on its third annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Midwest list.

Born of the annual Inc. 5000 franchise, this regional list looks at the most successful companies within the Midwest’s independent small businesses.

Hannah McNaughton, founder and CEO of Metric Marketing, credits Ann Arbor’s supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem as a component to the agency’s success. From Ann Arbor SPARK to Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, the city boasts a robust entrepreneurial support system and is a hub for companies that focus on the power of positive business beliefs.

“I am humbled by the support that I’ve received from so many local entrepreneurs,” McNaughton says. “It’s one thing to envision building a positive business culture, but it’s quite another to see it play out in front of your eyes every day.”

Metric Marketing is a digital marketing agency, serving clients in the biotech, legal, and software spaces. The company believes in making seemingly complex digital marketing topics easy to understand.

Detroit Pistons to Honor 2003 WNBA Champion Detroit Shock March 9

The Detroit Pistons are planning to honor the 2003 WNBA Champion Detroit Shock as part of its Women’s Empowerment Game on March 9 when the Pistons take on the Charlotte Hornets at Little Caesars Arena.

Dubbed the “Worst to First” season, the 2003 Detroit Shock delivered the franchise’s first WNBA Championship after having the league’s worst record (9-23) during the previous season.  Led by Detroit Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer as general manager and head coach, the team recorded a league-best 25-9 record during the regular season before defeating Cleveland (2-1) in the first round, sweeping Connecticut (2-0) in the Conference Finals and, after trailing 0-1 in the Finals, won two consecutive games at home to claim the title.

“We are pleased to welcome back members of this great team during Women’s History Month and recognize them for delivering the first WNBA championship to Detroit” says Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Detroit Pistons. “The team truly embodied the spirit, fight, and grit of the city and pulled off a remarkable feat with a historic turnaround in just one season. We’re excited to celebrate their place in Detroit sports history.”

The Shock’s core group, led by the 2003 WNBA Finals MVP Ruth Riley, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Swin Cash, Cheryl Ford, Flint native Deanna Nolan, and Elaine Powell, lost their season opener and then went on to win eight consecutive games to start the season.  They finished the season with an 11-3 record to earn the league’s best regular-season record (25-9).  That season, Detroit lost consecutive games only twice. Laimbeer earned WNBA Coach of the Year honors for the season and Ford, the third overall pick in that year’s draft, was named WNBA Rookie of the Year.

The Shock franchise would go on to win WNBA Championships in 2006 and 2008.

For a special VIP ticket package, which includes attending a private panel discussion and meet and greet with members of the Shock team, fans can visit here for additional information.

Southfield Human Services Partners with Lakeshore Legal Aid to Provide Free Legal Aid

Southfield Human Services, in partnership with Lakeshore Legal Aid, will host free legal clinics for low-income residents and senior citizens on select first Fridays of each month at 9 a.m. at its headquarters (26000 Evergreen Road).

Lakeshore Legal Aid will have representatives on-site to assist low-income and eligible residents with civil legal matters. No appointment is necessary, however, clients will meet with attorneys on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 9 a.m. and interested residents must be registered no later than 10 a.m. Residents are asked to bring copies of their documents for attorneys to review.

Southfield Human Services has legal clinics scheduled on March 3, May 5, June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1. The legal clinics can help with civil legal issues including divorce and custody, housing and eviction issues, domestic and sexual violence survivor help, public benefits, disability rights, mortgage and tax foreclosures, estate planning, probate, expungement, and more. They do not handle criminal or traffic-related matters.

Detroit’s Movement Festival Announces Full 2023 Lineup

Movement Music Festival, taking place at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit May 27-29, has announced its full lineup for its edition featuring more than 115 acts, including a headlining set from the legendary UK dance duo Basement Jaxx (DJ Set), Underworld, and Charlotte de Witte.

The announcement also includes dance music titan Skrillex, Techno pioneer Cybotron, electronic music producer Bonobo (DJ Set); Memphis hip-hop group Three 6 Mafia; Detroit Techno stalwarts Carl Craig ft. Jon Dixon (live); Kaskade playing under his underground alias Kaskade Redux; Swedish-born Techno producer, DJ, and Drumcode; and recording artist Ida Engberg.

Others slated to appear include Paul Woolford performing under his alias Special Request; German Techno producer Stephan Bodzin (live); Keinemusik member Adam Port; minimal techno pioneer Ricardo Villalobos; dubstep duo Zeds Dead performing as Zeds Dead (Altered States); rising Jersey club DJ and producer Uniiqu3 among others.

These artists join the previously announced enigmatic house legend and Detroit favorite Moodymann returning for his first performance at the festival in 10 years, plus Caribou, DJ Seinfeld, Masters At Work, Robert Hood (live), Green Velvet, DJ Minx, Dom Dolla b2b John Summit, TSHA, LSDXOXO, Ela Minus, SPFDJ, and many more.

“It’s been 24 years since we last danced together in Detroit,” Underworld says. “We’re obviously a million light years past excited to be back with you in May at Movement Festival.”

In keeping with the festival’s tradition of celebrating Detroit’s music culture, this year’s lineup features some of the city’s most prominent DJs, producers, and rising stars in dance music and beyond, including Detroit Techno pioneer Eddie Fowlkes; Underground Resistance member James Pennington as Suburban Knight; electro group Aux88 (live); underground Techno duo Scan 7 (live); house music mainstays Stacey Hotwaxx Hale, DJ Holographic, and Al Ester; Ghostly recording artist Shigeto performing a live set with Dez Andrés, plus Stacey Pullen, Kyle Hall b2b Byron the Aquarius, Ladymonix, AMX, Huey Mnemonic, Henry Brooks, Beige, Father Dukes, Soundmurderer, and Audia.

Since its inception, Movement has been dedicated to bringing music fans a completely original experience to Detroit, with a focus on showcasing authentic and diverse lineups that are purely about the music and culture.

For a complete festival schedule and more information, visit movementfestival.com.