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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 Events

Typically held on the third Thursday of the month, our Forum provides an evening of learning, sharing experiences, and meeting new business contacts. As of May 2022 we have returned to our traditional practice of holding our Forum in-person at Spark Central in downtown Ann Arbor. Presentations are also available online via Zoom. 

Features of our Forum include:

  • Showcase Presentations highlighting potential new investment opportunities in companies coached by NEF
  • Panels discussing issues pertinent to entrepreneurs and investors in start up companies
  • Pitch Pit competition where rookies present their ideas for a cash prize and get feedback from startup experts
  • Networking and food and drink with members of the local startup community

The meeting usually opens at 5:00 pm with an opportunity for networking. 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 an intriguing Topical Panel.  The Forum program also includes messages from a featured sponsor, notices of upcoming entrepreneurial events, and updates about the progress of past NEF Showcase Presenters.

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

VIDEO: “Controlling the Chaos in High Growth Startups”

September 18, 2022

 Many entrepreneurial CEOs/ Founders start with a great idea, full of passion and possibility, but as the company grows in people and revenue the chaos begins and what once was passion can become a burden. Our panel of experts discussed strategies for helping early stage companies manage the chaos, focus on what’s important, and avoid burnout.

[read more]

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]
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New Enterprise Forum
330 E Liberty St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Email info@newenterpriseforum.org

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