The Michigan Lean Startup Conference puts the customer first

Momentum-MI enters their third year with a new approach to the intensive mentoring provided to the Internet startups selected to participate in their incubator program.

For 2011, the program will kick off with the The Michigan Lean Startup Conference. According to Amanda Chocko, "Lean Startup" is an entrepreneurial, business development approach with a focus on the  customer development process versus the more traditional approach focusing on writing a comprehensive business plan.

Although Momentum is primarily looking to fund technology-based startups, Chocko indicates the conference would be valuable to individuals involved or interested in the startup process -- "educators, attorneys, investors, or anyone interested in bringing new products to markets," she says.

The conference will feature keynote speaker Eric Ries, the creator of the Lean Startup Methodology, as well as several other experts in the lean startup process.

Besides using the lean methodology, Momentum has also reached out to local colleges by offering opportunities for students, staff and faculty to participate in the Momentum program. At the time of the article, both Grand Rapids Community College and Hope College have committed to participate.

The conference takes place May 19 at Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center. To register for the conference, you can access the site here.

Source: Amanda Chocko, Momentum-MI
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor