Michigan Resources
Building a technology company takes the right guidance, connections, and support. If you’re a tech entrepreneur in Michigan, you may already be working with key statewide partners; if not, you should engage now.
The organizations below form a strong foundation for early-stage guidance, funding navigation, and commercialization support.
SBDC
APEX Accelerators
Local SmartZone
BBCetc
Below, you’ll find additional programs and resources designed specifically to help technology-driven start-ups accelerate product development, strengthen their business, and scale successfully in Michigan. Whether you’re seeking technical assistance, mentorship, funding opportunities, or industry connections, these tools can help you move your company forward.
Funding
funding programs for projects that have commercialization potential and have not yet been spun out of universities.
Programs supported by the MEDC that invest at stages too early for private sector investors to invest in alone.
This list includes Michigan’s angel groups.
This list includes several Michigan-based venture capital firms.
Funding programs that do not fit in the other categories listed.
Services
Funding programs for projects that have commercialization potential and have not yet been spun out of universities.
Funding programs for projects that have commercialization potential and have not yet been spun out of universities.
Clubs, funding, opportunities to work with faculty, and other support for university students starting innovative companies.
Facilities
Business incubators offer affordable and flexible office and/or lab space for early-stage companies.
Coworking spaces offer flexible office space in a stimulating environment.
Opportunities to collaborate and/or get credible third-party validation for your technology.
Services
Accelerator/Consulting Services
Michigan has a wide range of government-funded services to assist with your business startup, development, and growth. Support may come in the form of one-on-one consulting and mentoring, or education and training through short workshops or cohort sessions that extend several weeks. Typical areas of assistance include startup support, commercialization planning, team building (HR), financing strategies, marketing and sales, strategic planning, execution, and more.
Talent Services
Internship programs, job fairs, and organizations/programs specifically designed to help businesses identify, hire, develop, and retain qualified individuals.
University Student Programs
Clubs, funding, opportunities to work with faculty, and other support for university students starting innovative companies. Usually restricted to students attending the university that hosts the program.
Facilities
Incubators
Business incubators offer affordable and flexible office and/or lab space for early-stage companies. They usually offer formal support in addition to space.
Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces offer flexible office space in a stimulating environment. They often include additional amenities such as meeting rooms or access to kitchen facilities. These are best suited to independent professionals or individual employees. Please note, this list includes several for-profit entities that have NOT been vetted by BBCetc. Please do your diligence before entering into any agreements.
University/Non-profit Labs, Testing, and Prototyping
Some of the most exciting research and technology/product development is taking place in Michigan laboratories and testing facilities. There may be opportunities for you to collaborate and/or get credible third-party validation for your technology.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation
MEDC works with Michigan businesses and communities of all sizes to deliver the services and support they need to grow and succeed. With a network of more than 100 partners, MEDC propels Michigan to boldly drive the world forward. https://www.michiganbusiness.org/