Michigan's economic reinvention isn't solely dependent on entrepreneurs and financiers; traditional business people will also play a critical role, and it's one that Ann Arbor SPARK's Shifting Gears program is gearing up to fill.
The small business accelerator plans to start the Shifting Gears program this fall. The intensive four-month program provides professional career coaching for executive talent seeking opportunities in entrepreneurial and emerging businesses. The idea is to help these business people transition from southeast Michigan's corporate boardrooms to start-ups' coffee shop meetings by retaining and redeploying the executive talent being shed by local big businesses.
"That (transition) doesn't happen automatically," says Amy Cell, vice president for talent enhancement and executive talent for Ann Arbor SPARK. "It's like learning a new language."
Management talent often has a tough time making the transition because it is used to the risk-averse mega corporate culture that emphasizes company politics. Small businesses often need management talent that is nimble, can wear multiple hats, is more willing to take risks, and is ready to take responsibility for those decisions.
"There are so many different elements to it," Cell says. "It's a paradigm shift."
Shifting Gears is broken up into three distinct phases that combine class work and real-world learning. The first helps participants transition into small businesses with in-class sessions and workshops on small business foundations. The second consists of a three-day intensive practice simulation, followed by an 80-hour pro-bono practicum project with a small business. The final provides a launch pad for joining a small business with special networking opportunities, practice interviews, and career advice from a mentor that has extensive contacts with innovative, growing companies.
Ann Arbor SPARK will hold free information sessions on the program on Aug. 3, 11, 16, and 25, and Sept. 1 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the SPARK East Incubator in downtown Ypsilanti. The deadline for applications is Sept. 3. For information, click here.
Source: Amy Cell, vice president for talent enhancement and executive talent for Ann Arbor SPARK
Writer: Jon Zemke
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