Category: Legislative Alerts

This month, Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) Executive Director Ara Topouzian traveled to Lansing to meet with key members of the Michigan Legislature and emphasize the critical role that venture capital plays in advancing the state’s innovation economy. Topouzian held meetings with Representative Stephen Wooden, Representative Jason Morgan, Representative David Martin, and Bryce Webster, Legislative […]

Detroit, MI, January 13, 2025 – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law the Michigan Innovation Fund legislation during a high-profile ceremony at Michigan Central, Detroit’s historic innovation hub. This strategic location underscores the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and technological growth as Michigan continues to position itself at the forefront of cutting-edge industries. “I’m thrilled […]

The following story is a reprint from Gongwer News Service, an online news outlet for Michigan policy and political stories.  Legislation creating an economic development fund designed to attract and retain younger companies, first floated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer during her State of the State earlier this year, was brought before a House panel on […]

Funding would provide crucial support for entrepreneurs and startups by helping to create self-sustaining nonprofit early-stage evergreen funds and leverage existing fund infrastructure Lansing, Michigan – A bipartisan group of lawmakers in Lansing has introduced new bills to create the Michigan Innovation Fund, providing critical funding support to Michigan’s existing early-stage evergreen venture funds and […]

On February 21, 2024, the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA) made a significant impact at the state capital in #LansingMI. Together Adrian Fortino (MVCA Board member and Advocacy Chair) and Ara Topouzian (MVCA Executive Director) engaged with key legislators and their teams to emphasize the critical role of #venturecapital in driving our statewide economy forward. […]

This morning, Michigan State Senator Mike Kowall introduced the resolution for the state’s third Michigan Venture Capital and Angel Investment Week from April 22 – April 28, 2018. State Representative Adam Zemke will introduce the resolution in the House. Brosnan was invited by Senator Kowall to be present at the Senate Chambers and by Representative […]

Entrepreneurs and investors across the country frequently discuss issues related to building capital, community, talent, and research.  However, one element left out of the conversation regarding building a stronger entrepreneurial and investment community is infrastructure.  MVCA guest blogger, Rich Sheridan, CEO of Ann Arbor-based software company Menlo Innovations, would like the State of Michigan to consider investing […]

by Maureen Miller Brosnan, Executive Director, MVCA Mackinac Island may not have had the best weather this year, but this didn’t stop the change-makers attending Detroit Regional Chamber’s annual Mackinac Policy Conference. This year was one of our most productive years yet at the Mackinac Policy Conference. MVCA had the opportunity to meet extensively with almost […]

By Maureen Miller Brosnan NVCA has brought to our attention an urgent policy issue on immigrant entrepreneurship. As you may know, at the end of the Obama Administration the Department of Homeland Security finalized the International Entrepreneur Rule, which is similar to a ‘startup visa.’ The rule will go into effect on July 17, but […]

By Maureen Miller Brosnan, Executive Director, MVCA As we gear up for the Mackinac Policy Conference, we would like to take this opportunity to shine a light on legislative activity supporting the entrepreneurial and investment community in Michigan and across the nation. The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) is heavily involved in national policy issues facing […]