ZANA Network Opens Michigan to the World with Free One-Year Membership to its Global Business Development Resource

September 18, 2007; 09:44 AM

DETROIT, Sept. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- ZANA Network, a business development resource for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) worldwide, today announced that it is offering free one-year memberships to the more than 800,000 businesses in its home state of Michigan. ZANA Network provides a one-stop menu of online services which enable entrepreneurs, professionals, inventors and SMEs to post their products and services for sale, request products and services, develop alliances and partnerships with other members, and acquire critical business services like financing, health insurance and logistics. To participate in the free one-year offer, which ZANA Network is calling "Michigan Jump Start," Michigan businesses must register at www.zananetwork.com by October 15, 2007.

"This makes Michigan a focal point as a diversified product and service supplier, manufacturing and assembly resource, and an outsource center for the rest of the world," said Richard P. Kughn, Vice Chairman of ZANA Network and former Chairman of the Detroit Regional Chamber. "Businesses throughout the U.S., as well as in China, India, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and countries worldwide, will now have a convenient source for Michigan products and services. The Michigan Jump Start offer is a substantial investment in helping the Michigan economy."

There is growing support for Michigan's small and medium businesses, which represent more than 98 percent of the businesses in the state. In honor of the launch of ZANA Network, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm declared June 27, 2007 to be small business day in Michigan, saying she encouraged "all citizens to do business with Michigan's small and medium business community, and consider the important role that they play in our state's economy."

Howard Keating, ZANA Network founder and CEO, said, "As a Michigan-based company, we're making this offer to Michigan businesses because there's been too much bad news about our state's economy. It's time we focused on the positives. We believe in the talent and resources that reside in this state. Along with expanding nationally and internationally, we decided to put Michigan at the core so that Michigan products, services, wants and needs will be among the first to be found. Michigan Jump Start is our contribution to help get the Michigan economy rolling again."

ZANA Network members can also take advantage of critical member services, such as international financing and credit insurance from The Export-Import Bank of the United States; access to business loans from $5,000 to $2,000,000 from major banks to start up, acquire, or expand a business; health and business insurance products from companies such as American International Group, Inc., CAN Financial Corp., Safeco, Zurich, St. Paul Travelers, and United Healthcare; shipping and logistics from DHL Express; credit reports from Dun and Bradstreet; and numerous other resources to help make them more connected, efficient and profitable.

"ZANA Network is a place for everyone who has ever dreamed of starting a business but didn't have the courage, money, or know-how," said Keating. "Take a look at our declaration of independence (www.zananetwork.com/about/declaration.asp).This is a chance to see if you can make your dream a reality and you have nothing to lose by trying ZANA Network."

Through its one-stop menu of services, ZANA Network helps all types of businesses -- from startups launching their first product to professionals building referral networks for their services to established companies in any industry -- reach more potential customers locally, nationally and especially internationally (www.zananetwork.com/videolibrary/success/). Its Global Connection provides information and resources on how to do business in more than 200 countries worldwide.

"Many small and medium enterprises do not realize the business opportunities that are available to them throughout the world," said John Emens, Executive Vice President of Export-Import Bank. "We help companies get the financing they need to pursue these opportunities, and we are working with ZANA Network to make more Michigan companies aware of how they can participate in the benefits."

By providing access to resources from other SMEs worldwide, ZANA Network lowers costs, especially for struggling companies that can't afford to maintain investments in sales, distribution, marketing and research.

"Small and medium businesses are the world's research and development network," Keating added. "They are the risk takers, the innovators, and they represent the future. They are resilient beyond anyone's imagination. Through ZANA Network, these businesses can unite, leverage each other, and open themselves and our state to the world."

Complete access to the ZANA Network portal generally requires a monthly membership fee of $40.00.

ZANA Network continues to add essential services as well as business development capabilities to its base set of member resources. Upcoming releases include a member-to-member rating system for accountability, and the ability to create video advertising. ZANA Network also will offer a premium level membership at additional cost that will include such features as insurance for identity theft protection and access to federal government contracts.

"We built ZANA Network so that entrepreneurs, professionals, inventors and SMEs -- whether across town or across the world -- can create business relationships that drive profitable sales and find the support they need to make their businesses run as efficiently as possible," said Keating. "Sales lead to job creation, and small and medium businesses generate more than two- thirds of all new jobs in the U.S. If even half the businesses in this state take advantage of this opportunity, it can have an enormous impact on employment and our overall economy. And as Michigan entrepreneurs become more efficient, they will have more time to get involved with their family, schools, community and environment. Michigan Jump Start is a great opportunity for everyone."

About ZANA Network, LLC

ZANA Network is a business development resource for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) worldwide. ZANA Network provides selling, buying and partnering opportunities, trade resources, business guidance, and essential services, and enables entrepreneurs, inventors, professionals and other SME business people to come together in a community for mutual benefit. ZANA Network helps businesses grow profitably -- anywhere, anytime, at any stage. For more information, visit www.zananetwork.com.