Small Business Assistance and Resources
MEDC Invests in Small Business
From startups to established local businesses, Michigan provides the funding, tools, and support to help small businesses succeed and contribute to vibrant communities statewide.
2,000+
New small businesses started through MEDC and partner support in FY25
$2.87 Billion
In revenue facilitated for Michigan small businesses in FY25
$200 Million
Invested from angel, venture capital or other equity investment sources because of MEDC programs
$60 Million
From the Michigan Innovation Fund ensures Michigan's entrepreneurs have the support they need
$17.2 million
In reimbursements to Michigan small business through MI-STEP
#1
Ranked state trade expansion program for ROI (SBA, 2022)
Michigan’s Small Business Resources
Now Accepting Proposals for up to $9 Million in Small Business Support
MEDC is seeking qualified partners to deliver technical assistance, advising, and connector services that help Michigan small businesses start, scale, and compete. Funding categories include international trade support, second stage growth support, SMM manufacturing competitiveness, trusted connector network, and small business service gap support.
Find Local Support
Michigan’s network of SmartZones and Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) support entrepreneurs and small business owners. SmartZones facilitate the commercialization of tech, while SBSHs provide comprehensive resources to small businesses.
Your Guide to Starting and Operating a Small Business
The Michigan Small Business Development Center provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for startups, existing small businesses and innovative tech companies. Counselors provide support and a planning tool to help evaluate the direction of your technology, chart strategies and more.
Michigan's SBDC publishes a Guide to Starting and Operating a Small Business. Information includes steps for starting a business; forms of business organization; elements of a business plan; federal, state and local tax obligations; management, hiring, marketing and more.
Guide to Starting and Operating a Small Business
Review the GuideExplore Additional Ways MEDC Can Support Your Business
MEDC offers a wide variety of resources to companies at all stages. Explore MEDC's support organized around what your business needs next.
My biggest advice is to reach out to others for help, namely the MEDC and Industry 4.0. There are a ton of resources available to small businesses in Michigan, and many of them are free. As two engineers with no real business background, we have learned so many things just from asking the right people. The more you work with the MEDC, the more people you get to know, and the more you learn.
