Small Business Assistance and Resources

MEDC and its network of local and regional partners provide small business assistance and small business resources throughout Michigan.

Funding Support Programs for Small Businesses

Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund

A loan program for women, veterans and entrepreneurs of color who don’t qualify for traditional loans through banks or other financial institutions, providing opportunities for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged due to a lack of access to capital and credit.

Small Business Lending

Capital Access is made up of several programs that can help small business throughout Michigan receive loans from banks and lending institutions to help their businesses grow and succeed. MEDC works directly with lenders who in turn can provide traditional financing to small businesses.

Downtown Growth with Match on Main

Match on Main is a small business grant program is for eligible businesses in Certified Redevelopment Ready or Michigan Main Street communities. The program provides up to $25,000 for interior and exterior renovations and working capital.

Manufacturing Technology Grant

The Industry 4.0 Implementation Grant provides 50% reimbursement up to $25,000 to small manufacturers looking to adopt qualifying Industry 4.0 technologies.

Michigan State Trade Expansion Program

The MI-STEP grant provides 50% reimbursement up to $15,000 for eligible exporting activities, helping companies access new global markets and buyers.

Early Stage Funding

Early stage funding is critical to the success of startup companies and entrepreneurs. Through a number of programs, MEDC’s Entrepreneurial & Innovation initiative helps you find the early stage funding needed.

Michigan Mobility Funding Platform

The Michigan Mobility Funding Platform provides grants to mobility and electrification companies looking to deploy their technology solutions in the state.

Michigan Business Development Program

Micro MBDP is an incentive program available from MEDC designed to provide grants, loans and other economic assistance to businesses that create jobs and/or provide investment in the state.

As we look at ways to grow an equitable and resilient economy in Michigan, we remain committed to supporting our small businesses, their workers, and the local communities in all corners of the state.

Quentin L. Messer, Jr.

CEO of MEDC

Small Business Resource Finder

Michigan is home to a robust network of resources ready to help you start or grow your small business. Designed for emerging entrepreneurs and small businesses owners, use our Small Business Resource Finder to locate the support you need.

Find Resources

Training and Support Programs for Small Businesses

Industry 4.0 Preparedness

MEDC and its partners have implemented a multi-pronged effort to support and encourage the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies by Michigan’s small- to medium-sized manufacturers. Evaluation, training and support can help Michigan manufacturers prepare for the future.

Second-Stage Growth Solutions

The SSGS program provides second-stage companies with the technical research assistance and business expertise they need to continue to grow profitably and be prepared for the future at no cost.

Technology-Related Technical Assistance

Optimize Main Street is a pilot program pairing technical assistance & grant dollars to advance technology utilization for small businesses located within Michigan Main Street Communities and a select number of Certified Redevelopment Ready Communities.

International Trade Services

Through a network of partners, businesses can learn to overcome barriers to exporting, identify new markets, access logistics consulting, utilize export legal services, leverage digital business tools, alleviate the challenges of foreign currencies and to strengthen their potential for market entry or expansion.

Support Local Campaign

MEDC launched the “Support Local” campaign to remind Michiganders of the importance of supporting local businesses during the holidays and throughout the winter season. Vibrant downtowns across the state are filled with local shops and restaurants specializing in décor, fashion, toys, hardware and much more.

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Industry Connections for Small Businesses

Business Matchmaking Services

With access to a vast and diverse supplier network, PMBC connects Michigan suppliers of goods and services with local, domestic and global buyers based on demand and procurement needs. PMBC helps facilitate introductions to key industry and diverse business associations and strategic partners.

Export Support Services

MEDC's International Trade Program facilitates trade missions and international trade shows to create in-market networking opportunities. Additionally, in-state export events and foreign office matchmaking services connect companies to industry peers, including qualified buyers, partners and distributors.

Technology Business Incubators

Michigan's SmartZone network facilitates the commercialization of tech and tech-enabled ideas that come from the state's inventors, innovators and researchers. SmartZones offer businesses opportunities to build or expand their network with key community and industry stakeholders through mixers and other educational events and trainings.

Small Business Success Stories

Commemorating 20 Years of Michigan Celebrates Small Business

Since its inception in 2004, Michigan Celebrates Small Business has championed small businesses and fostered the entrepreneurial spirit that can be found all across the state. This year, Michigan Celebrates Small Business is commemorating its 20th anniversary, a milestone that marks two decades of recognizing and elevating the contributions of Michigan’s small businesses.

High 5 Salts Gets Product into Capital City Market

Located in the heart of downtown Lansing, Mich., Capital City Market is a full-service neighborhood grocery store that sells fresh, affordable and local products. Capital City Market features more than 1,000 locally made products from small businesses and entrepreneurs with a passion for food. One of these entrepreneurs is Laura Romito, chef and founder of High 5 Salts, a line of organic seasoning blends.

Redi-Rock International Moves From Zero Export Sales to Global

Charlevoix, Mich.-based Redi-Rock Internationalrecognized that its biggest business opportunity was to export to international markets. The company manufactures 1-ton, interconnecting cement blocks used to build retaining walls, yet the blocks were too heavy to be cost-effectively transported overseas. Redi-Rock developed equipment that would enable others to manufacture the blocks instead.

The Poke Bowl Brings Authentic Hawaiian-Inspired Cuisine to the City of Flint

With the help of Michigan resources like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and winning various local pitch competitions, The Poke Bowlowners Jeron Dotson and Justin Bush were able to secure a location to build their business.

Cherry Republic: Success with a Cherry on Top

Expanding throughout the state sometimes is easier said than done. In 2018, Cherry Republic was experiencing rapid growth, and as a result it needed assistance in accessing the additional capital needed to unlock new communities in which it could sell. That is where the MEDC’s Capital Access program came in.

Tenera Grains Transitions Family Farm into the Secret Sauce of Whole Food Granola

As the Founder and CEO of Teffola, Tenera Grains’ Claire Smith knew they had a great product. Even though teff was domesticated centuries ago, introducing this “new” ancient grain to purchasers and customers in today’s market presented a challenge.

Nu-Wool: Balances Being Green and Innovative by Embracing Industry 4.0

You can find early adopters in the most unlikely places. Jenison, Michigan, for example-home of Nu-Wool. Founded in 1949, Nu-Wool is the oldest company in the cellulose manufacturing industry. It turns paper into cellulose insulation, packages it in bags, and sells the bags to contractors and lumberyards. They, in turn, install it in both commercial and residential new construction and retrofit applications.

Workforce Support for Small Businesses

Employee Training

The Going PRO Talent Fund makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training should be short-term, fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer and lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.

Finding Talent

Michigan Works! Association is a statewide network of more than 100 service centers helping employers find skilled workers, retrain current workers and provide training and education.

Internships

Michigan STEAM Ahead is a statewide program that matches students attending Michigan colleges and universities with internship opportunities at the state’s leading innovative companies.

The Power of Michigan Business Support

Businesses of all sizes, including Blue Betty Coffee, have discovered the power of pure opportunity in Michigan. Through support from the MEDC and its partners, businesses can not only grow but thrive in their communities around the state.

Additional Resources for Small Businesses

Michigan Small Business Development Center

Whether you have a new venture or an existing small business, SBDC can support your business with no-cost consulting, training, market research and more.

SmartZones

SmartZones provide distinct geographical locations where technology-based companies, entrepreneurs and researchers can locate in close proximity to community assets that assist in their endeavors.

APEX Accelerators

Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators (formally PTACs) is made up of 10 different offices across the state dedicated to helping businesses understand and succeed in the government marketplace.

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