Maryland Entrepreneur Resource List Activities
The Maryland Entrepreneur Resource List, MERL, began in January 2012 as a way to establish a group of experienced business people to mentor start-up companies in Maryland. It further more provides the seasoned entrepreneurs a group where they can network among themselves and find common interests. Some MERL members have also identified companies that they have joined as managers or advisors. Since 2012 MERL has grown to over 70 members who actively interact with new companies and entrepreneurs.
As Sharon Flank, CEO of Infra Trac, who received advice from a MERL member phrased it, I “was delighted to find a potential mentor with just the right combination of experience. He was extremely responsive….. I’ve gotten advice on positioning and strategy, offers of introductions to potential customers and funders, and feedback on prioritization.” Infra Trac uses light based solutions to distinguish counterfeits.
What inspires the MERL members to give of their time? As Sharon further explained, as a manager of a new company, you find out what you should have done. What do you do with this information? Keep it to yourself? No, you want to tell someone. You want to help them avoid mistakes.
Check out MERL at https://www.tedcomd.com/resources where you can find an expert to help your business or if you are experienced help others.