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Inforum's inGAGE program aims to help women-led firms

The Inforum Center for Leadership is looking for a few good women, specifically women entrepreneurs.

The downtown Detroit-based organization works to support women in business. Its inGAGE strategy focuses on supporting women-led, high-growth companies.

"This is really to support women in disruptive companies in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) industries," says Rachele Downs, vice president of entrepreneurial strategy at the Inforum Center for Leadership.

The inGAGE program is in its third year. It’s first two cohorts had 33 graduates. Those women helped launch or grow 16 companies which created 43 new jobs. Those companies have raised $10 million in seed capital. And all of it adds up to a more experienced network of female entrepreneurs in Michigan.

The new inGAGE program will feature a "Growth" section that teaches women the basics of what it takes to launch a new business venture and a "Master Class" that focuses on emerging second stage entrepreneurs. The "Role Model and Investor Series" creates a supportive community of women entrepreneurs through angel investors.

"The more representatives we have in the investor class the more investment we will have in women-owned companies," Downs says.

Applications for inGAGE classes will be accepted until Feb 28. For information, click here. The Inforum Center for Leadership currently employs a team of 10 people. It is looking to hire a program manager.

Source: Rachele Downs, vice president of entrepreneurial strategy at the Inforum Center for Leadership
Writer: Jon Zemke

Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.
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