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, tracking progress, 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?
8-week entrepreneurial cohort with a $5,000 Pitch Prize!
Participants receive one-on-one assistance, tailored coaching, and customized referrals and mentoring to prepare for SBIR/STTR submission and delivering a successful Pitch.
Training courses include:
- Entrepreneurial readiness
- Customer discovery
- Value proposition and messaging
- Successfully navigating bias, barriers and bureaucracy
- Market Research and Competitive Analysis
- Mapping Out Your Buyer Journey
Now Accepting Applications for our Spring 2023 Cohort
The application deadline is April 14, 2023
The MI-CAN Spring cohort runs from May 1, 2023, through June 19, 2023.
View the full schedule here

Meet our partners
Forward Cities Michigan Small Business Development Center TechTown Detroit
Apply Now