Funding Opportunities
Tech Ideas & Development
Entrepreneurial Funding
Business Accelerator Fund
Design for Michigan Manufacturing Program
Target at Advanced Technology companies, BAF awards up to $50,000 (although most engagements are in the $7,000-$15,000 range) that can be used for a variety of specialized services to assist technology companies. Companies in which R & D brings forth an innovative product or process.
SBIR / STTR Grants (America's Seed Fund)
Phased federal grants used to fund research and development (R&D) with the potential for product commercialization. Company must be for profit, U.S. owned/operated and under 500 people. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, also known as America's Seed Fund, are one of the largest sources of early-stage capital for technology commercialization in the United States. These programs enable US-owned and operated small businesses to conduct research and development that has a strong potential for commercialization. The STTR program aims to foster technology transfer through cooperative R&D between small businesses and research institutions. The US Small Business Administration serves as the coordinating agency for the SBIR program. Learn more
BBCetc Michigan Assistance Program
The Michigan SBIR/STTR Assistance Program helps qualified early-stage Michigan technology companies to be more competitive in this national proposal and award process. Through the program, BBC Entrepreneurial Training & Consulting (BBCetc) provides SBIR/STTR training and proposal development services throughout the state with most costs covered by the
program. BBCetc can assist clients in all aspects of SBIR/STTR proposal development, including:
• Developing an overall grant strategy
• Identifying appropriate solicitations
• Project planning
• Scientific and editorial review
• Assistance with proposal submission
• Assistance with details of post-submission administration
Provides funding to eligible companies developing and launching hardware products in Michigan. Grant program is administered by the LTU Centrepolis Accelerator. Learn more
Hustle and Muscle / Ongoing
DBusiness’ Hustle and Muscle is a free program that connects entrepreneurs seeking funding for innovative products or services with venture capital and private equity firms, family funds, angel groups, and more — all based in Michigan. Learn more
Emerge Fund / Ongoing
Available to for-profit small business entrepreneurs operating or starting their business in St. Clair County, Michigan. The maximum grant request per applicant is $5,000. Actual funding issued will be based on overall business impact and potential milestones. All business sectors may apply. Currently not accepting applications. This grant is offered on an recurring basis as new funds are received.
MWF Microloan Fund
Michigan Women Forward's Microloan fund provides entrepreneurs with access to capital in the form of microloans between $2,500 and $50,000. Michigan Women Forward targets small businesses needing capital to spark initial business moves or drive new strategic change in their business. The purpose of the fund is to support the growth and development of Michigan entrepreneurs and businesses, with an emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color. Learn more
EMSBN Small Business Grants
The Eastern Michigan Small Business Grant Award Program will provide awards up to $20,000 to eligible small businesses in the six county region to support their growth and development. Most grant awards will fall in the $5,000- $10,000 range. The business MUST reside in one of the following six counties: Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac or St. Clair County. Funding can be used for a variety of uses including purchase of equipment, inventory, software, and/or hardware. View a list of 2024 Grant Awards. Additional funding will be awarded in 2025.
Michigan Emerging Technologies Fund (ETF)
State grants that match SBIR/STTR federal grants, up to $25,000 for Phase I and $125,000 for Phase II. The ETF Fund is designed to expand funding opportunities for Michigan-based companies in the federal innovation research and development arena. Learn more
Michigan Rise Pre-Seed Fund III
Fund helps companies achieve commercials and technical milestones that will position them for future scaleup through capital, talent, etc. MR provides up to $250,0000 in funding through prices or convertible financial instruments. The fund is aimed at competitive edge technologies in specific industry sectors.
Learn more
PitchMI Competition
PitchMI is a statewide, Shark Tank style competition where innovative start-up businesses pitch their ideas for the chance to win $100,000 towards their solutions to further the innovation opportunities across Michigan. It is a commitment to entrepreneurial problem solving, connecting innovators with capital and accelerating opportunities for innovation in the state.
Learn more
SBA Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps small businesses get funding by setting guidelines for loans and reducing lender risk. These SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. SBA reduces risk and enables easier access to capital. SBA-guaranteed loans generally have rates and fees that are comparable to non-guaranteed loans with lower down payments and flexible overhead requirements. Loans for borrowers include: