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?
8-week entrepreneurial cohort with weekly training and collaboration sessions.
Participants receive one-on-one assistance, tailored coaching, and customized referrals and mentoring to prepare for SBIR/STTR submission. The cohort culminates in an SBIR pitch competition.
Training courses include:
- Entrepreneurial readiness
- Customer discovery
- Value proposition and messaging
- Successfully navigating bias, barriers and bureaucracy
- Market Research and Competitive Analysis
- Overcoming Your Fear of Failing and Taking Risks
- Mapping Out Your Buyer Journey
Now Accepting Applications for our Fall 2023 Cohort
The application deadline is September 8, 2023
The MI-CAN Fall cohort runs from Sep. 25, 2023, through Nov. 16, 2023.
View the full schedule here

Apply Now