Sales & Marketing Accelerator
For Michigan Based, Early Stage, Tech Companies
Validate, Commercialize and Grow Your Startup
Sales is the MAIN THING. Many high tech entrepreneurs and small tech businesses often get lost in the sea of product development and raising capital; losing sight of the fact that running a business means successfully marketing and selling your product. Not to mention, there's nothing investors want to see more than revenue. But most entrepreneurs are technicians and few know how to successfully market and sell their product.
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WHO'S IT FOR?​
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If this describes you, apply for the Sales & Marketing Accelerator. Applicants that are post revenue will be preferred. If you haven't started selling yet, we have other support services to help, but this program is specifically geared to helping companies who are ready to grow their businesses.
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WHAT WE'LL COVER​
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Week 0 - Kickoff Call: Meet all the teams and coaches (Monday, September 30th, 2024)
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Week 1 - Overview: Storybrand​
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Week 2 - Build Landing Pages That Convert
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Week 3 - Target Customer List Hacks
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Week 4 - Content Creation 360
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Week 5 - Advertising and Using AI
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Week 6 - Pitch to Close: How to Talk to Your Customers
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JOIN THE FALL 2024 COHORT
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6 week cohort - Starting September 30, 2024. Each week will include a check-in and 2 sessions:
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Monday 12-1p - Virtual Stand Up
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Wednesday 12-1p - Virtual 1 Hour Lesson
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Friday 12-1p - 1 Hour Workshop with Hands on "How To."
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There will also be 2 "Founder's Hour" receptions throughout the program where you can connect with current and past participants (virtual)
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- There is a fee for each team with scholarships available for eligible companies. Michigan based tech companies and small businesses may be eligible for BAF grant funding to cover the costs of the program. Please apply and check with your local SmartZone.
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COHORT PERKS
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Cohort participants will have access to our partner pricing on valuable software tools like Hubspot, Apollo and more. These tools are optional of course but the discounts are very valuable.
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MILESTONES - Up to $50,000 in Funding
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Program participants will work with their coach throughout the program to develop milestones critical to the development of their sales and marketing efforts. Eligible companies will be able to apply to the MSF Business Accelerator Fund for up to $50,000 to pay for technical assistance and service providers heling them accomplish this milestone.
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Application Deadline: September 24, 2024​
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Supported By...
The Sales & Marketing Accelerator operates with support from Michigan State University Research Foundation and The MEDC.
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The Mission of the MSU Research Foundation is to enhance research, encourage innovation, and facilitate all relevant aspects of economic development through modern commercialization practices, venture creation activity and innovation partnerships.
Program Coaches
EIR & Program Coach
Kim Gamez
Kim Gamez, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience, has a proven track record of leading successful B2C ventures. Her expertise spans investment, mergers and acquisitions, and startup launches, where she has consistently demonstrated a knack for rapidly capturing market share in untapped industries.
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Recently featured in Forbes and The Today Show, Gamez has earned the moniker "Tech Start-Up Darling" for her entrepreneurial prowess. Following the acquisition of her latest startup, Mi Padrino, she was fortunate enough to join the MSU Research Foundation as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), where she was later hired on as a Program Manager leading several Conquer Accelerator programs.
In January 2023, Gamez leveraged her passion for hemp-derived drinks and her technological acumen to launch Sober(ish), a dynamic marketplace that connects content and community with brands and products offering a stimulating experience.
Program Coach
Ken Seneff
As a seasoned entrepreneur with a deep-rooted passion for fostering growth, Ken Seneff has been instrumental in shaping Lean Rocket Lab into a thriving hub for innovation. With over four years of experience applying and teaching the lean startup methodology, Ken has helped countless startups and established companies achieve significant growth through the Agile Marketing System.
Committed to nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jackson, MI, and beyond, Ken is a driving force behind the nonprofit coworking space, startup incubator, and business accelerator that supports local and regional entrepreneurs. Additionally, as the co-founder of Agile Growth Shop, he offers companies invaluable guidance in implementing the Agile Growth System and provides outsourced CMO and marketing department services.
Ken's dedication to empowering passionate individuals who share his vision of creating positive impact and value is evident in his work. His expertise and mentorship have been instrumental in propelling numerous businesses toward success.
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Program Coach _ Hubspot Certified
Zach Kraabel
Zach is a seasoned Program Manager at Lean Rocket Lab with a proven track record in helping businesses harness the power of Hubspot CRM. With extensive experience in sales growth strategies, he guides companies through the entire Hubspot implementation process, from initial setup to ongoing optimization. Zach's expertise lies in leveraging all aspects of the Hubspot platform to drive sales efficiency and maximize revenue.
EIR & Program Coach, Ad Words Certified
Veronica Berkemeier
Veronica is a passionate digital marketing entrepreneur with a strong commitment to helping small businesses succeed. She founded B Clever Marketing LLC in 2019 and has since become a trusted advisor for businesses seeking affordable and effective digital solutions.
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Known for her entrepreneurial spirit and community-focused approach, Veronica's experience includes a wide range of digital marketing services, from social media management and content creation to Google Ads and email marketing. Her ability to tailor strategies to meet the unique needs of each client has contributed to her success.
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Beyond her business ventures, Veronica is also involved in giving back to her community. This dedication to supporting others reflects her belief in the power of digital marketing to make a positive impact.
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