Executives-In-Residence To Lend Insight To Aspiring Entrepreneurs
STERLING HEIGHTS -- The Macomb-OU INCubator is starting 2013 with a bang as the new Executives-in-Residence program kicks off. After a highly competitive application process, new EIRs have made their way to Mac-OU INC to provide additional resources and support to what is already an extensive acceleration program.
The Macomb-OU INCubator's unique program provides expert knowledge to entrepreneurs in the form of Business Advisory Boards; access to Oakland University research labs and faculty; various Small Business and Technology Development Center and Lean Diversification training series; the on-site Michigan Defense Center; and Macomb County, City of Sterling Heights and Macomb-OU INCubator staff. Now, four EIRs are also on board to support incubator clients with free services and consultation.
Clients will benefit collaboratively from 16 hours of free consultation per month from these EIRs, as well as from additional discounts if further engagements are required.
New executives-in-residence include Jeremy Cnudde, senior attorney with the Butzel Long law firm; James Ruma, a defense consultant with an extensive background working with local primes and next tier suppliers, including 42 years with General Dynamics; Lori Bianco, a CPA and CGMA of BiancoCPA; and Kathryn Baker and Mike Pircer, business development professionals with Advicoach.
"We have been listening to our clients and feel our Executive-in-Residence program will help them to accelerate their businesses by providing quick, on-site, expert advice at no or low costs," said Julie Gustafson, executive director of Mac-OU INC. "The entire Mac-OU INC team is very excited to have the EIRs on board."
Gustafson added that the residents were strategically selected with legal, accounting and business consulting expertise because their fields are highly used and needed by businesses. An EIR with a defense background was also added to the mix to help early-stage companies navigate the complex defense industry.
The Macomb-OU INCubator provides comprehensive development and support to startup and emerging businesses with a focus on the defense, homeland security, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. For more information, visit the incubator website at www.oakland.edu/macombouinc.
