- (906) 227-6253
- invent@nmu.edu
- Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 5pm,
- Friday by Appt.
Introducing the all-new Vanbassador program, an outreach initiative aimed at extending our organization’s entrepreneurial support to rural communities in the Upper Peninsula (U.P.)!
The program leverages a Ford T350 van to facilitate mobile outreach, connecting with entrepreneurs, inventors, and makers across 15 U.P. counties. The van serves as a mobile hub for student-led outreach, offering services ranging from idea exploration to market launch. With a strong emphasis on community engagement, the program not only supports local entrepreneurs but also provides valuable experiential learning opportunities for Northern Michigan University students. The program’s impact extends beyond economic growth, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration across the U.P.
Invent@NMU is based in Marquette County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), the Vanbassador program was created alongside our Microgivinging Platform to spread Invent@NMU’s impact on rural entrepreneurship beyond the Marquette ecosystem. Vanbassador helps provide accessible entrepreneurial support to the greater U.P. and foster innovation in underserved communities. By utilizing the van to travel to all of the Upper Peninsula’s 15 counties, we can reach more entrepreneurs, inventors, and innovators and connect them with talented Northern Michigan University student employees who can assist them in launching their tech-based businesses.
Submit an Idea: Do you have a business idea in outdoor innovation, sustainable technology, or creative technology? Submit your idea for a free Quick Explore® with our team. Entrepreneurship starts with an idea, we can help you take it from there.
Apply to Invent@NMU: If you’re a Northern Michigan University student, reach out to us! Our team of students includes marketing assistants, content creators, graphic designers, human-centered designers, and onboarding guides that assist entrepreneurs on every step of their journey- from ideation to branding and product development.
Invent@NMU is a program of Northern Michigan University, powered by students, led by Innovate Marquette SmartZone professionals.
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(906) 227-6253
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
101 W Washington St. Suite 11
Marquette, MI 49855