MiSpringboard

Helping Michigan Entrepreneurs Put Their Bright Ideas to Work

MiSpringboard is Varnum’s statewide initiative designed to remove some of the barriers associated with starting a business by providing free legal services to Michigan startups.

Varnum launched the MiSpringboard program in 2011 as a way of helping Michigan’s then-struggling economy with a commitment of $1 million in free legal services, MiSpringboard was our way of helping the economy by doing what we do best – providing high quality legal counsel to qualified businesses and individuals.

Due to the overwhelming success of this program, in 2016 Varnum renewed its commitment to Michigan startups by dedicating a second $1 million in free legal services through the MiSpringboard program.

MiSpringboard Candidate Characteristics

Good candidates for participation in the MiSpringboard program:

• Are located in Michigan.
• Have a written business plan.
• Provide innovative solutions to problems.
• Have potential to scale and grow.
• Can be from any sector of the economy.
• Often use technology to help deliver value to customers.
• Have founders willing to devote substantial time and energy to the business.
• Have potential to attract investors.
• Demonstrate a need for Varnum's legal support.

Personal service businesses, smaller retail shops and part-time lifestyle businesses are not typically strong candidates for the MiSpringboard program.

Steps to Free Legal Services

After you've written your business plan, identify the MiSpringboard services you may need.

Corporation and limited liability entity formations Equity investments and securities offerings Capital structure planning Licensing Joint venture agreements Nondisclosure agreements Employment agreements, compensation planning and non-competes Compliance with employment laws Employee benefits Research collaboration agreements Distribution agreements State and federal tax planning and compliance Immigration Privacy and security issues Introductions to accountants, lenders and other resources

Varnum works with many business and economic development organizations, such as business incubators, private investors and angel funds, to recommend businesses for participation in MiSpringboard.

Ann Arbor SPARK Automation Alley Battle Creek Unlimited Center for Entrepreneurship Cereal City Development Corporation/Small Business Economic Development Fund (EDF) Chi Ishobak (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians) Desai Accelerator Detroit Venture Partners Grand Rapids Downtown Market Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) Grand Valley State University Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation Growth Capital Network Huron River Ventures IncWell Venture Capital Innovate Marquette Innovation Shore Angel Network Invent@NMU Invest Michigan Lakeshore Advantage Lawrence Technological University C2C Program Mercury Fund Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center (MISBTDC) MTEC SmartZone Muskegon Innovation Hub OptiMize  Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) SCORE Southwest Michigan First Spartan Innovations Start Garden TechArb TechTown University of Michigan Entrepreneurship Clinic

Qualified participants meet with a Varnum attorney to assess their business needs and are assigned a single point of contact at Varnum, even if their legal needs require attorneys from more than one practice area. Participants will receive approximately $2,500 in free legal services, although it may vary based on the need of the individual business. For more information, please contact Tamara Bergstrom at 616/336-6631 or tkbergstrom@varnumlaw.com.