The Coming Entrepreneurial Boom
Economists know that entrepreneurship will drive the economy back to health, but many people may be surprised to learn that the baby boom generation is behind the wheel, according to a new study by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The study, "The Coming Entrepreneurship Boom," found that several facts have emerged in the course of Kauffman Foundation research that indicate the United States might be on the cusp of an entrepreneurship boom -- not in spite of an aging population but because of it. Kauffman Foundation
Ugly shoes, beautiful story
Economists know that entrepreneurship will drive the economy back to health, but many people may be surprised to learn that the baby boom generation is behind the wheel, according to a new study by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The study, "The Coming Entrepreneurship Boom," found that several facts have emerged in the course of Kauffman Foundation research that indicate the United States might be on the cusp of an entrepreneurship boom -- not in spite of an aging population but because of it. Kauffman Foundation
Ugly shoes, beautiful story
Margot Fraser tried on her first pair of Birkenstocks during a tour of German health spas in 1966. She liked them so much she talked the manufacturer into a U.S. distributorship, only to find that no shoe retailers would touch the clunky, cork-soled sandals. Undeterred, Fraser exhibited at a health-food store convention and quickly signed up 20 or 30 customers. In the '70s, "the new generation adopted them as an emblem," helping Birkenstock USA become a $50 million company. Inc.
CALLING FOR VENDORS!
This July the Business Incubator Center will hold a Summer Open Market Place and Treasure Hunt. The event will feature vendor booths showcasing a variety of our clients from throughout the Valley, live music, a business treasure hunt with prizes, and for the kids, a bump-n-jump, face painting and balloon tying. The Summer Market Place will take place July 17, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and will be located at the BIC campus parking lot. We expect approximately 300 to 400 attendees and guarantee an afternoon and evening of fun while celebrating local business and entrepreneurship.
How do you get involved?
CALLING FOR VENDORS!
This July the Business Incubator Center will hold a Summer Open Market Place and Treasure Hunt. The event will feature vendor booths showcasing a variety of our clients from throughout the Valley, live music, a business treasure hunt with prizes, and for the kids, a bump-n-jump, face painting and balloon tying. The Summer Market Place will take place July 17, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and will be located at the BIC campus parking lot. We expect approximately 300 to 400 attendees and guarantee an afternoon and evening of fun while celebrating local business and entrepreneurship.
How do you get involved?
- Mark your calendars – Friday, July 17 from 2:00pm to 8:00pm
- Want to have a booth to showcase your products or service? Vendor applications are available. Contact Annalisa Pearson for details: apearson@gjincubator.org or 243-5242 or register your booth here.
- Be a sponsor! Contact Chris Reddin to talk about of potential event sponsorship opportunities: creddin@gjincubator.org or 243-5242.
- Tell a friend... no tell all your friends and co-workers!
As you know, here in the Grand Valley we are a community that prides itself on its independence and ability to create our own prosperity. In these times of economic uncertainty, it is critical that our community seizes upon the opportunities at hand and that we do all we can to grow our own businesses. This work is exactly what we do at the Business Incubator Center. Today we are supporting hundreds of clients as they start and grow the businesses that will lead our community to forward. We are very excited to put on this event to highlight these businesses and show the community the opportunities, innovation and positive growth we see every day in our clients.
