Services and Resources

Here you will find resources and services that our team offers to help you and your business flourish. We offer a Five-Step Process as well as individual services if you are looking for something more specific to your needs. Below you will see the different stages of the Five-Step Process as well as our expertise in the realms of product design, business management, marketing, and graphic design. Scroll down to learn more!

Product Ideas

Have you always had a product in your mind that you have wanted to bring to life? At Invent we believe ALL ideas are worth exploring®. Whether it’s still in your brain, scribbled on a napkin, or already made into a prototype, we welcome ideas at any stage of development.

Business Ideas

Looking to start a business, but don’t know where or how to begin? Our team at Invent@NMU has you covered. We have a wide array of resources to help you get the business of your dreams booming.

Existing Businesses

Do you already own a business, but want to make some changes? Then you’re in the right place! From branding, to website consultation, digital audits, and more, we can help to boost your business in the right direction.

Five-Step Process Timeline

Quick Explore

During the quick explore we meet to learn about your business or product idea. It is a quick 20-minute meeting where you describe what you have in mind and we do some quick research to make sure that this product isn’t already over-saturated in the market.

Validation

During validation we look to find pre-existing patents and competitor information to help you successfully define your idea. From there we create you a business profile in GrowthwheelⓇ.

Ideation

During ideation we meet with you to truly refine your idea. We complete forms in GrowthwheelⓇ that dive into the specifics to ensure that we are able to complete specialized research, product design, and focus groups if applicable.

Commercialization

During commercialization we create a strategic plan for the manufacturing and marketing of your product. We test the market to ensure that it will be effective and beneficial to end users.

Production

During production we work with you to set up relationships with suppliers, distributors, and manufacturers to create the initial product run. We will test the logistics and create marketing materials during this stage as well.

Operations

During operations we finalize everything for your business to launch and start generating revenue. Way to go!

Our Custom Services

Product Design &
Manufacturing

Below you will find what Invent@NMU has to offer for product design and manufacturing. Our team is here to help you design, prototype, and build the product of your dreams.

  • 3D Printing

  • Product Design 

  • Product Prototyping

  • Product Rendering

  • Product Research

  • Patent Consulting

Business Start-Up & Management

Are you looking to start a business or help your current one grow? Below are the resources we can offer our clients to ensure success and optimize pre-existing businesses. 

  • Focus Groups

  • Growthwheel® System

  • Trademark Search

  • Business Profiling

  • Industry Research

  • Investment Coaching

Marketing & Content
Creation

Once your business or product idea is set, it’s time to show it off! Let our team at Invent@NMU help you with your marketing needs today. Check out the list below to see what we offer. 

  • Marketing Strategy
  • Brand Style Guide
  • Website Consulting
  • Newsletter Consulting
  • Social Media Audit
  • Website Audit
  • Google My Business
  • Business Resources

Graphic Design &
Branding

Are you looking to jazz up your promotional products or establish a brand identity? Let our creative team design the perfect style for your brand that will wow consumers.

  • Logo Creation
  • Sell Sheets
  • Poster Design
  • Rack Cards
  • Business Cards
  • Packaging Design
  • Website Creation
  • Newsletter Creation
  • Photography
  • Videography

Ready to start making your idea a reality?

Submit Your Idea!

FAQ

No, we will not steal your idea. All of us are under an NDA to ensure maximum protection of your information and all materials related to your idea.

You can submit an idea by clicking here. It will bring you to our Google form where you have to fill out a couple of short questions about yourself and a short description of the idea you want to bring to life.

You will be contacted within 3–5 business days after submitting your idea to our team.

There is no set timeline for the Five-Step Process since it can vary from project to project. Consult your Project manager for a projected timeline of your idea.

A Quick Explore—the first meeting you have with our team—is completely free. After that your idea will move onto the first step of our process, Validation, which costs $150. From there, our team will draft work orders where we charge by the hour for our services: $20/hour for NMU students and $30/hour for the general public. If you are requesting custom services, the same work order process is applied based off of your individual needs. 

There are many options to find funding for your idea, contact our office for more information.

Fantastic! We offer a wide variety of services that pair wonderfully with pre-existing businesses. Scroll up to see which options match with what you’re looking for and contact our office to tailor a custom approach that will help your business flourish.

That’s great! We can work with you to help get it into the hands of consumers.

Awesome! We can put you in contact with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to get your product launched.

We do not offer loans, but we have contact information for several local resources that do. Reach out for more information on our directory.

No we do not purchase ideas or prototypes for our own use. However, if you wish to continue with developing your idea we can help you through the process. To learn more give our office a call today!

We do not issue patents, but we work with companies and organizations that do. If you need help with a patent, contact our office to get more information on the process we recommend for obtaining one. 

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