Home -> Market Building Services  Clean Tech Success Builds Economies and Communities We believe that inspired business people equipped with the right tools and knowledge can work together within thier communitieis to build markets, create jobs, improve economies, and solve numerous structural challenges at once.  Our Market Building practice seeks to provide the necessary tools and knowledge, enabling individuals, organizations, and entire communities to grow and flourish. Shepherd Advisors works with private investors, investor groups, state and local governments, and non-profit organizations to catalyze economic development activities that are regionally-focused, growth oriented, and sustainable.  Market Building Approach Shepherd Advisors builds markets by: Designing and delivering targeted entrepreneur development programs, Working to create demand for clean technologies, particularly technologies that have been created or developed in Michigan, and  Connecting investors with high potential Clean Tech entrepreneurs and start ups. Entrepreneur Development Programs We design and deliver entrepreneur development programs that improve the skills and abilities of individuals and growing companies, while simultaneously enhancing the entrepreneurial culture of the community at large.  We draw upon our rich, cross-functional experience and connections to deliver programs that are focused, current, and highly relevant for participants. Services offered include: design and management of business accelerators, seed capital funds, and educational workshops. Workshop topics include (but are not limited to) grant writing, venture funding and financing, supply chain considerations, human resource assessment, and strategic partnerships. One-on-one follow up activities with individual entrepreneurs and companies follows our standard Business Building Services and approach. Creating Demand for Clean Technologies Concerns about global environmental issues, such as climate change and the availability of fresh water, coupled with recent high energy prices have caused governments, non-profit organizations, schools, and citizens to have a growing interest in the development and adoption of clean technologies.  Clean technologies offer several inherent advantages, including enhanced energy efficiency, reduced resource use and waste generation, reduced dependence on imported oil, decreased health and safety risks, and increased focus on sustainable regional economies, creation of skilled jobs, and local production. For a growing number of communities, Clean Tech is one key to a more promising and prosperous future.  Shepherd Advisors works to cultivate and support regional Clean Tech markets that simultaneously generate wealth, increase employment, and improve environmental quality. We have the resources, expertise, and unique connections to help public sector organizations effectively and efficiently promote clean technologies, develop local Clean Tech businesses, capitalize on Clean Tech funding and implementation opportunities, address diverse stakeholder and constituent needs related to clean technologies, and build a foundation for job creation and economic growth.     Services offered include: collaborative purchasing for clean technologies, supplier diversification and development programs, support for local Clean Tech entrepreneurs and businesses, educational workshops and events for school administrators and other public sector employees, and technology demonstrations and evaluations. Clean Tech Investor Connections  Shepherd knows Clean Tech, and we can help investors who are interested in this high-potential sector invest more effectively – reducing risk and increasing both short- and long-term return on investment. We have access to high potential Clean Tech entrepreneurs and startups, and we can help investors find quality deals, faster. Shepherd has the ability and expertise to recognize opportunity in terms of advanced technologies, management capabilities, and/or market positioning; we can pre-qualify candidates for investment and evaluate deals.      Services offered include: identifying high-potential investment opportunities in the Clean Tech sector, conducting due diligence, developing investment deals, assistance with matching fund requirements, and connecting companies with potential investors. Shepherd is also developing a Clean Tech investor syndicate. Contact Us Please contact Loch McCabe or another Market Building team member today to discuss how we might work with you to accomplish your goals.