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Coaching. Perfecting. Connecting.

Coaching founders in Perfecting their investor pitches and Connecting them with management expertise, business services, capital and other critical resources.

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New Enterprise Forum

Since 1986, we’ve linked entrepreneurs to management expertise, potential joint venture partners, mentors, business services, capital, and other critical resources. Since its founding, NEF has been a model for similar groups and a magnet for entrepreneurs and investors throughout Michigan, the Midwest, and beyond.

Our success has captured national media attention and is unique among organizations of its kind in longevity, dynamism, and the number of deals assisted. Continue reading.

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Our Vision

The NEF vision is to link entrepreneurs with management expertise, joint venture partners, business services, capital, and other critical resources. We are comprised of business professionals with a passion around helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Our vision is simple.

    • Be the recognized resource in Michigan for preparing entrepreneurs to effectively communicate with potential investors and for coaching entrepreneurs through the preparation and practice of investor pitches.
    • Provide services to all regional, entrepreneurial startup companies ready to seek an equity investment.
    • Function as a collaborative, cooperative, and diverse body within the entrepreneurial community where constructive and respectful communication and critique are both sought and acknowledged.

Join our Monthly Online Events

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic our monthly in person forums have moved online for now. Conducted over a ZOOM webinar, these events provide an evening of learning, sharing experiences, and finding out about essential business contacts. Features of our forum include:

  • Showcase presenters present potential new investment opportunities
  • Panels discussing issues pertinent to entrepreneurs and investors in start up companies
  • Pitch Pit competition where rookies present their ideas for a cash prize

After the online forum event there will be an online networking opportunity. We will post the ZOOM link in the chat during the forum. Features of our online networking event include:

  • Two 10 minute networking breakout sessions where you will be able to meet new people and potentially set up times to meet 1 on 1
  • Open Mic where all meeting attendees can introduce themselves and their business needs or announce an event or promotion

The meeting opens at 4:00 pm with an introduction from our President including messages from our sponsors, upcoming entrepreneurial events, and past NEF Showcase Presenter news.

The program continues with our featured Showcase Presenter(s) who are graduates of the NEF coaching process. Depending on the month or otherwise noted, the program includes the engaging NEF Pitch Pit or intriguing Topic and Panel. The program finishes at 5:30 pm with our online networking immediately afterward. Click below to attend an event.

Attend An Event

“I am so appreciative of NEF’s coaching and mentoring. It wasn’t just a pitch deck getting made, it was my leadership and personal skills getting developed and encouraged. Without NEF’s help we would not be where we are today, closing our seed round.” – Ashley Williams, RIZZARR

How To Get Involved

There are many ways for you to become involved. 

Entrepreneurs

Experience a proven coaching process to help you perfect your investor pitch and executive summary

Investors

Participate in NEF events to learn about new opportunities, make connections, and share their expertise in panel discussions

Sponsors

 Support and be visible to a growing and vibrant entrepreneurial community

Coaching

As a seasoned business executive you can give back to entrepreneurs by being a part of an experience that helps them learn and startup companies grow.

Members

Contribute to the success and growth of the regional entrepreneurial community

Recent News

Annual Entrepreneur Awards Announced

February 4, 2022

New Enterprise Forum (NEF) has announced the names of the five Michigan entrepreneurs who have won awards in recognition of their achievements during the past year. The awards will be presented to the winners at the NEF Annual Awards Event on February 17, 2022. The online event is open to the public with free registration.

The winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award is Mike Vichich, Co-founder and CEO of Wisely. His company was acquired by Olo in November 2021 for $187 million. Based in Ann Arbor, Wisely is a leading customer intelligence platform that enables restaurant brands to personalize the guest experience to maximize customer lifetime value. In 2021 Wisely was ranked #300 on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies in America list. Vichich is now Vice President &

[read more]

Purpose Jobs’ roundup of top tech trends for 2022.

Bill Taylor / January 20, 2022
2021 was a big year for startups and tech companies in Michigan! Our state has the fastest growing rates of VC funding, and it’s just the beginning. What will 2022 bring?Our NEF President, Paul Henchey, was quoted in Purpose Jobs’ roundup of top tech trends for 2022. Check it out 
[read more]

VIDEO - “DO YOU EVEN NEED TO IMPRESS INVESTORS IN TODAY’S FUNDRAISING WORLD?”

November 30, 2021

In November 2021, a panel of experts explored ways to fund growth without using outside investors or alternative equity sources. Depending upon the business plan, growth focus and the founder’s wishes, companies of all types can find different ways to fund their growth. Not all businesses require angel or venture capital funding to be successful. 

Watch the video to hear our panelists address the question: “DO YOU EVEN NEED TO IMPRESS INVESTORS IN TODAY’S FUNDRAISING WORLD?”

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New Enterprise Forum
2010 Hogback Road, Suite 4
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 US
Email info@newenterpriseforum.org

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