With an in-depth knowledge of available funding opportunities for agriculture based businesses and, the ability to work with clients to develop successful grant proposals. I work with each client to make big decisions on how to expand their business to increase revenues. Successful growth and responsible use of funds are at the core of each grant application, all while maintaining metrics and achieving revenue growth and, customer loyalty-building work plans. Seeking quotes and proposals form suppliers and vendors, requesting and assisting with letters of support and, coordinating all project collaborators are just a few of the perks provided during grant development. Assistance with reporting and delivery of grant work plans are also available services. I always utilize a vast network of trusted service providers to ensure positive outcomes and 'as local as possible' support. Not limited to agriculture focused projects but, this is a specialty.

Consulted on and developed funding package for the construction of 16,000 square foot tasting room and production facility. Introduced potential investors to the project and related investment opportunity. Was responsible for all processes, equipment, protocol needed to prepare the tasting room for open i.e.- Liaison to designers on branding, label design and content, website design(www.bonobowinery.com) and content, sourced an implemented POS system, sourced retail merchandise, prepared and submitted kitchen layout, design, and menus to MDARD and USDA for successful approvals. Created menus, employee training classes and materials, handbooks and service standards. Assessed staffing needs, interviewed, hired and trained staff. Processed label approvals with TTB/COLAs and sourced printing companies to print wine labels and coordinated with winemaker for processing. Worked to develop 2014 labels and attained successful interstate shipping licenses. Prepared weekly, monthly sales and profit reports. TAMS certified. Managed wine club and Founders Club and all related events. Notable achievements: Authored USDA Value Added-Producer Grant and received $200,000(1:1 matching=$400,000 program) for OV the Farm LLC a.k.a. Bonobo Winery. Created and sold-out the Founders Club to yield $131,000 in sales before open. Brought in $125,000 additional investment through personal connections. Collaborated on feature article in Food & Wine Magazine (April 2015 issue) and article for People Magazine (Valentine’s issue 2015).

Northern Michigan Program Director for Mid-Michigan Innovation Center and Blue Water Angel Investors. Responsible for state-wide outreach for MMIC and BWA. Coordinated, promoted and managed nearly 40 events in Michigan yearly to align entrepreneurs and investors. Instrumental in securing over $1.25m in grant funding for MMIC. Developed content for ever-changing educational workshops. Handled traditional and social media outlets, newsletter and website content creation. Managed all promotions of events including venue details, sponsorship, attendance and post event relations and membership conversion. Effectively educated entrepreneurs and investors on best practices of business incubation and angel investing. Worked one-on-one with aspiring and existing business owners to grow businesses in trying economic climate.

About MIT Enterprise Forum Great Lakes MIT Enterprise Forum Great Lakes leads and supports entrepreneurial growth, innovation education and technology exploration in Michigan and around the Great Lakes. Our chapter, founded in 1998, offers innovative programming to engage diverse communities, innovators, capital providers and other leaders across the state. The MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) is a global entrepreneurial support organization, with chapters across the USA (17 markets) and the rest of the world (10 markets). Global MITEF hosts over 400 events per year to connect, inspire and inform technology entrepreneurs, business leaders, and technology enthusiasts. MITEF is a unit of Technology Review, a global media company. Founded at MIT in 1899, MIT Technology Review derives its authority from the world's foremost technology institution and from its editors' deep technical knowledge, economic realism, and unequaled access to the world's preeminent innovators. MITEF Great Lakes offers a variety of forums, covering some of the newest and most important emerging technologies impacting the region. Our members also support a number of the state’s leading new business forums, including the Annual Collaboration for Entrepreneurship (ACE), and the Great Lakes Entreprener’s Quest (GLEQ) business competition. Visit mitgreatlakes.org for more information while we launch our new website; and stay tuned for more new information about us. Specialties Entrepreneurship, Networking, Technology-Oriented Education, Community Building Website http://www.mitefgreatlakes.org Industry Nonprofit Organization Management Type Educational Institution Company Size 1-10 employees Founded 1998