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BACKGROUND
CMURC is a professional coworking space with accelerator programs focused on product and strategic development for entrepreneurs to positively impact the economy in the Great Lakes Bay Region. It brings together local, regional and statewide partners to accelerate the success of entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and jobs by leveraging the resources of Central Michigan University, the Mount Pleasant SmartZone, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s 21st Century Jobs Trust Fund.
Beginning in 2011, CMURC created the annual Entrepreneur of the Year award to recognize the individual achievements made by client companies. Entrepreneurs experience high and low points in their journey, so it is important to recognize these individuals for their sacrifice and commitments that benefit the community.
ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
CMURC candidates are catalysts in creating an entrepreneurial culture and the creation of jobs. CMURC’s goal is to highlight these model entrepreneurs who have helped bring us one step closer to creating a community in which people live and invest their lives –a key driver to economic development. The CMURC awardee must demonstrate:
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Perseverance
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Inventiveness
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Commitment to the community
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Creativity
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Culture of innovation
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Market awareness
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Operational efficiency
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Significant growth or expansion
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Innovation in products, services or processes
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An ethical approach to business
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Effective leadership
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Exceptional vision
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to receive this award, the individual must be an owner, founder, or top management of a company that has previously or is currently engaged in the CMURC community. Present and former CMURC community members are also eligible and may include interns, past employees, service providers or CoWork members.
Entrepreneurs can only win the award once.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Entrepreneur of the Year will be selected based on calendar year results and will be announced at the beginning of the following year. In addition, the individual will be honored at the CMURC Board of Directors meeting, and select regional events throughout the year, and will be highlighted using the following marketing channels:
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Press release announcing winner after board approval
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Web badge creation for winner to utilize on digital platforms
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Announcement on all CMURC social media platforms
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Entrepreneur of the Year signage in all four location and on CMURC website