Peters Hosts Tech Week Panel on Making Michigan the Start-Up Capital of the Midwest, Announces August 5, 2014 as "Start-Up Day Across America"

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Gary Peters convened a Tech Week public policy panel and town hall at the M@dison Building in downtown Detroit and announced August 5, 2014 as "Start-Up Day Across America". He was joined by business owners and entrepreneurs for a discussion on making Michigan the start-up capital of the Midwest by cultivating Michigan's talented workforce, working to bring new talent and entrepreneurship to the region and making smart policies that support innovation, start-ups and job creation. The event was divided into two panels, the first focused on making the Metro Detroit area a hub for start-ups and the second on the ways Detroit and Michigan can take advantage of its talent to attract more talent and investment to create the premier start-up cluster in the Midwest.

"Michigan's economy and middle class was built on our talented workforce's ability to innovate and manufacture the best products this country has to offer. As we look to the future, start-ups, small businesses, tech companies and entrepreneurs across our state are leading the way. I am committed to supporting smart policies that foster our talent so that Michiganders can make our state the start-up capital of the Midwest," Peters said. "Start-ups in Detroit, like the ones featured here today, are solving problems, creating jobs and charting the way for a new economy in the city and region."

Peters co-chairs the House Caucus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship where he works with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to promote start-ups. Last year the caucus sponsored the first annual "Start-Up Day Across America", and Peters was pleased to announce this year's date of August 5, 2014. Start-up day is a great opportunity for members of Congress to highlight the great work start-up companies in their home states and districts are doing. Members of Congress connect with all facets of entrepreneurship, including incubators, venture capital firms, startup companies and established tech companies, to learn about the impact entrepreneurship has on their communities.

Tech Week is a national event where entrepreneurs and tech tycoons meet for a weeklong celebration to promote start-ups and innovation. The city of Detroit is hosting this year's event which will bring together an entire tech community under a one roof and then shine a global spotlight on the ecosystem. Tech Week is divided up into summits, expo booths and professional workshops, and Rep. Peters was pleased to join Tech Week by hosting this important roundtable discussion.

Peters is a champion of small businesses and Michigan's start-up culture and reinvigorated waive of entrepreneurship and innovation. As a member of the House Committee on Financial Services he has promoted policies that help spur the growth of small businesses and start-ups.

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