Ann Arbor development groups unite

BYLINE: Eric Morath

Ann Arbor SPARK and Ann Arbor IT Zone have merged, the business development organizations announced today.

The merged organization, which will retain the SPARK name, also announced intentions to develop a start-up business incubator in downtown Ann Arbor.

"The merger ... creates one driving force for entrepreneurial growth in the region, making resources from seminars and forums to start-up funding available through one organization," SPARK CEO Michael Finney said. "The combined actions of the SPARK Board of Directors will have a positive impact on businesses of all types and sizes throughout the Ann Arbor region."

Founded in 2005, SPARK oversees the Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund and awarded a total of $600,000 to three companies earlier this year. The organization is also leading efforts to retain displaced Pfizer workers in the region.

The IT Zone started in 2000 and sponsored forums, seminars and networking sessions for entrepreneurs.