About Med Pros Share

Marquette-based Entrepreneur Defies Doubters and Creates Company that Provides Accessible Medical Resources Worldwide

Med Pros Share was born out of Britta Carlson’s realization in graduate school that keeping hundreds of heavy file folders was an outdated approach to storing medical information. She envisioned an online database that makes searchable, peer-reviewed content available to practicing medical professionals, especially therapists in rural areas like Marquette, where Britta is located.

When Britta was told her business ideas weren’t good enough to materialize, she challenged doubt with determination. Britta took her plans to Innovate Marquette, her local Michigan Economic Development (MEDC) SmartZone, where the team quickly realized Med Pros Share’s potential. The team’s market analysis and validation process showed a need for information sharing among medical professionals and a gap in this market that Med Pros Share could tap into.

Through Innovate Marquette, Britta found encouragement and counsel from business experts, as well as the resources needed to put her vision in motion. The SmartZone assisted Britta with the start-up process through services like providing legal and business consulting, establishing a pitch package, completing revenue projections, and more. Britta also secured a $10,000 grant through the Business Accelerator Fund, supported by the MEDC’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation initiative and administered by the Small Business Development Center, along with assistance connecting with Varnum Law Firm to receive $3,500 in funding and additional pro bono legal work through the firm’s MiSpringboard program.

“With the help of Innovate Marquette, I was able to not only go through the phases of innovation but add multiple layers that differentiated my business in the marketplace,” said Britta. “From IP protection to adding materials available for download, they helped with the expertise and advice I needed to bring Med Pros Share to a new level.”

The MEDC has 21 SmartZones like Innovate Marquette that are located across the state, where tech-focused entrepreneurs and researchers can seek expert resources and services like networking events, grant writing, technology mining, market analysis, and more. Michigan entrepreneurs like Britta are encouraged to utilize these innovation hubs no matter their company’s development stage to help accelerate and grow their business.

Today, Med Pros Share is providing services to its local communities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through school-based therapy and outpatient services. With the help of two new hires, an occupational and physical therapist, the company is accumulating content to be shared once the online platform is completed and ready for use. Her partnership with the MEDC helped Britta start her business and envision a plan to leave a lasting impact on rural medical communities worldwide.

To learn about your local SmartZone and how MEDC’s Entrepreneurial and Innovation Team can accelerate your company’s success, visit michiganbusiness.org/entrepreneurship.