DETROIT — Wayne State University’s Executive and Professional Development Division and The Downriver Community Conference announce the launch of a new program aimed at increasing the competitiveness and capacities of emerging businesses in Michigan, particularly in Wayne County. Through the “360° Mentoring Project,” the university’s Procurement and Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will coordinate groups of local firms that will work with each other on business projects. The first projects of the “peer clusters” will focus on securing upcoming government contracts in a variety of areas.

Wayne State’s new peer mentoring effort will build teams of non-competing companies with similar interests and needs. The firms will work together regularly to accomplish goals that the companies establish for themselves. PTAC will facilitate their efforts, while industry and subject matter experts will be brought in as requested by the teams. Team projects are expected to include such areas as ISO standards, teaming, accounting requirements for government contracting, managing growth and strategic business planning, activity-based accounting, building a competitive advantage through creativity and innovation, managing government contracts, creative tax strategies, and many other areas of common interest to Detroit and Wayne County firms. 

“This is a concrete example of how the University is driving/facilitating economic growth and development in Metro Detroit,” says Ahmad Ezzeddine, associate vice president for educational outreach. “This program will match emerging companies with their peers to learn from one another and increase their competitiveness in the high potential area of government contracting.” 

The 360° Mentoring Project employs a non-traditional approach to business mentoring and has several advantages over similar programs, says Terry Margolis, director, executive and professional development at Wayne State University. “The knowledge gained and benefits of this program are shared by all companies involved in the program, not just the protégés. Wayne State University looks forward to contributing our expertise to assist companies in becoming more competitive.”

Funded by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, the goals of the program include: assisting businesses to improve operational efficiency, build client relationships, increase sales and profitability, generate new or increased government contracting, lower costs, expand markets, improve internal capacities and stimulate creative idea generation. 

Eligible firms must be established businesses that have been in operation for at least three years, located in Wayne County, and willing to work with their peer groups for the 12-month program duration. Minority and woman-owned firms are especially encouraged to apply. Paula Boase, director of economic development for The Downriver Community Conference, is encouraging many companies located in the county and downriver to take advantage of the program she helped create. “This program will offer firms in our area the knowledge and skills they need to compete for government contracts and should be very valuable for manufacturing firms looking to diversify their client base to include the Federal Government.”

Companies wishing to apply for the program, or wishing to obtain more information about this new initiative, should contact Naimah Allen-Ratliff at 313.577.4449. Applications are currently being accepted.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.