The Michigan Catalyst Advantage (MI-CAN)

An initiative of BBCetc and funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA).  MI-CAN is designed to help traditionally underserved business owners and entrepreneurs prepare their technology for SBIR/STTR funding. The program includes expert one-on-one assistance, with coaching, and providing referrals and connections to Michigan state resources. If you are a scalable, growth-oriented Michigan startup and you are actively involved in the idea/product development stage of your technology, we encourage you to apply.

Specifically, for:

• Women
• Men or Women of color
• Or people located in an SBA HubZone or Michigan Opportunity Zone

What is the MI-CAN program?

9-week entrepreneurial cohort with weekly training and collaboration sessions.  Participants receive one-on-one assistance, tailored coaching, customized referrals and mentoring to prepare for SBIR/STTR submission. Participants can also participate in an Project Pitch competition for a chance to win a cash prize.

Training courses include:

• SBIR/STTR overview and eligibility
• Selecting an agency
• Customer discovery
• Successfully navigating bias, barriers and bureaucracy
• Market research and Competitive analysis
• Building a team
• Intro to VC funding
• SBIR/STTR Commercialization

We are not accepting applications at this time.