Please take a moment to view our weekly update to keep current on the exciting happenings around the Upper Peninsula.

UPWard Initiative

Business Plan Competition

Deadline Extended!

The 2nd Annual UPWard Initiative Business Plan Competition has been designed to encourage entrepreneurs to explore new ideas and start new businesses in the Upper Peninsula. Additionally, existing businesses with new ideas are welcome to apply.

The competition is open to all residents in the Upper Peninsula, Marinette and Florence Counties. Competition winner will receive startup seed capital, as well as mentoring services and media exposure.

This region wide contest is an opportunity to compete for cash and in-kind prizes, but it's also a chance to get constructive feedback on your business plan, to help move it from a virtual business to a reality.

Click HERE to find out More

Contest deadline November 22, 2013

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November 5, 2013

Contracting with the State of Michigan

Video Conference

Representatives from the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget-Procurement will discuss the state's solicitation process.

How to register as a vendor
Where to find contracting opportunities
Free resources for research & bid preparation
Expectations of state bid proposals
How bids are evaluated and approved

Location:

Lakeshore Center

1st floor conference room

600 E. Lakeshore Drive

Houghton, MI 49931

Time:

1:30pm-3:00pm

Check in begins at 12:30pm

Register:

http://bit.ly/1fiI6QF

If you have questions, call Don Makowski at (906) 789.0558 Ext. 244

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U.P. Local Food Summits

Tuesday, November 5th - Houghton

Wednesday, November 6th - Marquette

Thursday, November 7th - Sault Ste. Marie

Together at the Table

Recipes for a Sustainable Local Food System

Who should attend?

The short answer is "everyone who eats." Seriously, anyone interested in our local food system system should plan to participate. This includes, but is certainly not limited to:

Farmers
Growers
Restaurants
Schools
Retail Outlets
Hospitals
Economic Developers
Elected Officials
Community Leaders

What topics will be addressed?

The following topics will be covered at all three summits, but each summit will reflect the strengths and challenges of the local food system in that region.

Understanding Community Food Systems
What's up with The U.P. Food Exchange (UPFE)
Regional Food Hub Updates
Latest News from the MI Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)
Local Food Panel Discussions -
Overcoming Barriers and Results
Future Plans at the MSU U.P. Research & Extension Center
Breakout Discussions on Local Food Issues

Questions?

Call 906-225-0671 ext. 11 or e-mail info@upfoodexchange.com.

Click Here to register or find out more.

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QUICK LINKS

Michigan Works! The Job Force Board

MI-SBTDC

M-TEC

PTAC

UPEDA

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 1, 2013
Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR): Understanding the Basics
Time: Check-In: 8:00 - 8:30am; Seminar: 8:30- Noon CT
Location: Bay College West, Computer Lab Room 257
2801 North US 2, Iron Mountain, MI
For more information or to register please contact Don Makowski at
(906)789-0558 x244 or email donmakowski@nwm.cog.mi.us

November 4, 2013
Business After Hours
TV6 & Upper Peninsula Home Health, Hospice, and Private Duty
Time: 5:00-7:00pm EDT

Location: Holiday Inn, Marquette

For more information please contact Lake Superior Community Partnership at lscp@marquette.org

November 5, 2013
Contracting to the State of Michigan (Video Conference)
Time: Check-In 12:30; Conference 1:00-3:00 EDT
Location: Lakeshore Center, 1st floor conference rm
600 E. Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, MI
For more information or to register please contact Don Makowski at
(906)789-0558 x244 or email donmakowski@nwm.cog.mi.us

November 15, 2013
Business After Hours
TYCO
Time: 5:00pm - 6:30pm CST
For more information please contact Marinette Menominee
Chamber of Commerce at 715.735.6681

November 27, 2013
Starting a Business Workshop

(MI-SBTDC)
Location: Michigan Works! Service Center in Delta County
Time: Noon - 2:00 pm EST
For more information call Michigan Works! at 906.789.9732

Last week 128 people found employment through Michigan Works! The Job Force Board with estimated annual wages of $2,487,562.24.
Thanks to our many partners
that helped make these connections possible.

Our vision is to create and maintain a healthy and growing economy with a local workforce that has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enable local employers to compete and succeed in a global and technologically-sophisticated market place.

Thank you for your continued support of economic and workforce development efforts throughout our region.

Sincerely,

Orrin Bailey
Michigan Works! The Job Force Board

Equal Opportunity/Employer. Michigan Relay (800) 649-3777.

Auxiliary Aids and Services Available to Individuals with Disabilities upon Request.