Ann Arbor SPARK is excited to announce the launch of SizeUp SPARK, a powerful, data-driven tool designed to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs make informed decisions. Now available at no cost on SPARK’s website, SizeUp offers access to market research and competitive analysis that would typically cost businesses thousands of dollars.
“By offering SizeUp at no cost, Ann Arbor SPARK is making a significant investment in the economic future of the greater Ann Arbor region,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO of Ann Arbor SPARK. “This tool levels the playing field for entrepreneurs, providing them with the same kind of high-value data and insights that larger corporations use to drive success. The potential for job creation, business growth, and innovation is immense.”
Ann Arbor SPARK extends its gratitude to Bank of Ann Arbor for sponsoring SizeUp SPARK and making this invaluable resource available to the community. Through their support, small businesses across the region now have access to the kind of data-driven insights that can accelerate success. “At Bank of Ann Arbor, we believe that strong local businesses create strong communities,” said Tim Marshall, president and CEO of Bank of Ann Arbor. “By sponsoring SizeUp SPARK, we’re providing small businesses and entrepreneurs with a game-changing tool that empowers them to make informed decisions, grow strategically, and contribute to the economic vitality of our region.”
This innovative platform provides insights across four key modules, each designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs make smarter, data-driven decisions:
- Small Business Insights – This tool enables business owners to compare their performance against competitors and industry benchmarks. Users can analyze revenue estimates, employee salaries, and local market conditions to understand how they stack up against similar businesses in their industry. This insight helps entrepreneurs identify strengths, uncover areas for improvement, and develop strategies for sustainable growth.
- Small Business Advisor – Offering tailored guidance, this module delivers customized recommendations to help businesses thrive. Entrepreneurs can explore data-driven strategies on marketing, operational efficiency, and financial planning, all based on real-time analytics and local economic trends. By using these insights, business owners can make informed decisions that drive profitability and long-term success.
- Shop Local – Designed to foster connections within the local economy, this module helps businesses identify and engage with potential customers and suppliers. Whether looking to find local vendors, establish partnerships, or expand a customer base, the Shop Local feature provides critical market data to strengthen community-based business networks.
- Pulse – A real-time economic intelligence tool, Pulse tracks consumer spending patterns, business trends, and local economic activity. Business owners can use this module to assess shifts in the marketplace, spot emerging opportunities, and adapt to changing consumer demands. By staying informed on economic trends, businesses can pivot strategies effectively and remain competitive in their industry.
For the greater Ann Arbor region, SizeUp SPARK is more than a resource—it’s a strategic advantage for local businesses navigating an increasingly data-driven economy. By providing access to critical market research and competitive insights, it empowers entrepreneurs to make informed decisions that drive growth and stability. The tool also reinforces the county’s broader economic development efforts, supporting small business success while fostering stronger connections between business owners, support organizations, and financial institutions. With this resource available at no cost, more businesses can confidently explore expansion opportunities, refine their strategies, and contribute to a thriving local economy.
SizeUp was awarded First Place by the U.S. Department of Commerce in the Commerce Business Apps Challenge for its innovative use of business intelligence to support small and medium-sized enterprises, enhancing business competitiveness and driving job growth. By leveraging this tool, entrepreneurs can make smarter decisions on everything from market positioning to targeted marketing—without the hefty price tag typically associated with this level of data.
How to Access and Learn More
SizeUp SPARK is available now on Ann Arbor SPARK’s website, with multiple opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs to get hands-on support in making the most of this powerful tool. SPARK’s team will offer guidance through workshops, online resources, and dedicated open office hours designed to help users navigate the platform and apply its insights to their businesses.
Upcoming Support Opportunities:
- SizeUp SPARK Open Office Hours – March 10 & 17 | 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
A dedicated open forum for partners and entrepreneurs to explore SizeUp SPARK with the SPARK team. Reserve a 15-minute time slot for personalized guidance and support. - Lunch & Learn – Wednesday, March 19, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
This session is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and business support professionals looking to learn more about SizeUp SPARK. Attendees will see a live demo, learn navigation tips, and engage in a Q&A session with the SPARK team.
For more details or to sign up for these sessions, visit annarborusa.org/events.
Multiple community partners, including the A2Y Chamber, SBDC, and Destination Ann Arbor, are trained to help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate SizeUp SPARK, ensuring they can fully leverage its insights. These organizations, along with other local business support agencies and entrepreneurial resource centers, are equipped to guide users through the tool’s features—helping them analyze market trends, identify potential customers, and make data-driven decisions. This collaborative effort strengthens the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by making SizeUp SPARK accessible and easy to use for businesses at every stage of growth.
For more details and to start using SizeUp today, visit a2spark.org/sizeup.
