Trusted Connector Grant

The application period for the $5.8 million Trusted Connector Grant opens February 28 and closes March 21. This funding opportunity supports small business development initiatives across the state, providing grants to organizations like Chambers of Commerce that offer technical assistance, networking, mentorship, and outreach. Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating strong past performance (within the last 24 months) and projecting future success (over the next 6-18 months) in key impact areas, including facilitating access to capital, connecting businesses to resources, increasing digital acumen, and conducting networking/mentorship initiatives. Applicants may submit proposals between $250,000 and $1,000,000. The MEDC anticipates awarding 5 to 20 grants. Details regarding key impact areas and metrics are available in the application.

 

Additional Program Information

Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating strong past performance (within the last 24 months) and projecting future success (over the next 6-18 months) in key impact areas, including facilitating access to capital, connecting businesses to resources, increasing digital acumen, and conducting networking/mentorship initiatives. 

Applications demonstrating significant community and economic development impact will receive higher scores.  Details regarding the key impact areas and required metrics are provided within the application.

  • facilitate access to capital: provide direct grants and/or investments (including grants, loans, angel and equity-based investments)
    • $ grants/loans made, # businesses, and rationale for specific grants/investments made
  • facilitate access to capital: referrals (including grants, loans, angel and venture capital investors)
    • # referrals and rationale for specific grant/capital providers recommended
  • increase awareness of, and connectivity to local, state, and federal resources for small business and/or tech-based entrepreneurship
    • # referrals made, description, and rationale for specific resource(s) recommended
  • increase digital acumen, promote awareness of and connection to technology and innovation resources
    • # attendees, # of programs/services dedicated to technology and innovation, description, and rationale for specific resource(s) promoted or executed
  • conduct networking events featuring subject matter experts
    • # attendees, # networking events conducted, description, and rationale for SME/topic
  • facilitate industry mentorship initiatives
    • # participants, # events executed, description and rationale for specific industry connections made
  • facilitate peer-to-peer networking and/or mentorship initiatives
    • # participants, # events executed, description and rationale for specific peer connections made

 

Eligible uses:

  • 1:1 and/or small group technical assistance
  • capital access support services
  • outreach and engagement services
  • business accelerator or incubator activities
  • networking and/or mentorship events
  • business resiliency initiatives, including services related to industry diversification
  • business enhancements, including physical and digital

*under-resourced: Communities or populations with limited access to economic opportunities, resources, or services, which may include low levels of participation in the workforce, education, or entrepreneurship due to structural barriers.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

Each applicant must:

  • Be registered to do business in Michigan and provide EIN
  • Must be a registered non-profit with the State of Michigan; 501(c) 6 or 501 (c) 3, including economic development nonprofits, chambers of commerce and industry associations and Tribal Nations, and Tribal Economic Development Organizations
  • Must be registered as a tax-exempt entity with the Internal Revenue Service
  • Eligible applicants must certify to being in good standing with all state departments including, but not limited to, LARA and the Michigan Department of Treasury
  • Demonstrated historical performance in business growth and support, business creation, and wage improvement for disadvantaged communities and under resourced groups

 

Meet at Least One of the Following Qualification Criteria (definitions of each criteria)

  • Located in a Geographically Disadvantaged Business Area: An eligible business location on the GDA map will be identified as a blue or orange-shaded area. You may qualify your business location eligibility by typing in your business address in the address field in the upper right corner of the map that opens when you click the link HERE.
  • Veteran-Owned Business: Have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more veterans
  • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business: Have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more veterans rated as service-disabled by the VA
  • Limited English Proficiency (LEP): Have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more individuals who do not speak English as their primary language and who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English can be limited English proficient, or "LEP."
  • Disability: Have no less than 51% of the business owned and controlled by one or more individuals with a disability

 

Application

Applicants may submit proposals between $250,000 and $1,000,000. The MEDC anticipates awarding 5 to 20 grants. Details regarding key impact areas and metrics are available in the application.

Apply Here

 

Eligible Costs and Activities:

A scope of work with eligible costs should be included. These costs can include, but are not limited to:

  • Personnel; 
  • Purchase of upgrades to systems and technology;
  • Purchase of supplies, hardware & software;
  • Professional Development and Training, including certifications, memberships, subscriptions, licenses, and continuing education;
  • Marketing Expenses;
  • Other costs associated with strengthening the organization to better support eligible small businesses will be considered on a case-by-case basis and subject to approval by the contract manager

 

Fund Disbursement:

50% award amount disbursed within 30 days of fully executed contract. The remainder 50% is reimbursement based. Grantee can only submit reimbursement once following initial disbursement.

 

Awardee Reporting:

Milestone and progress report submitted 6 months following contract execution date. Reporting to follow in 6-month increments for the life of the contract.