MI MEDC

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) provides comprehensive funding and support for businesses at all stages, from startups to established companies. Through its Entrepreneurial & Innovation initiative, MEDC offers early-stage funding, capital access programs, export assistance, and specialized technology commercialization support. Programs include the First Capital Fund, Pre-Seed Fund III, Business Accelerator Fund, Emerging Technologies Fund (SBIR/STTR matching), and Match on Main grants for place-based businesses.

For ZHC builders in Michigan or willing to establish operations there, MEDC offers accessible funding with strong ecosystem support through SmartZones, accelerators, and the Michigan Small Business Development Center network.

Program Types

First Capital Fund

• Up to $150K in genesis funds for new tech companies
• Earliest stages of commercialization
• Michigan-based companies
• Milestone-driven with 12-month follow-on funding goal
• Administered by Invest Detroit

Pre-Seed Fund III

• $100K-$250K for early-stage high-tech startups
• Administered by Michigan Rise (MSU Foundation)
• Capital support plus coaching and grant assistance
• Michigan-based technology startups

Business Accelerator Fund (BAF)

• Up to $50K per company (typically $7K-$15K)
• Available through SmartZone business accelerators
• Specialized services for commercialization
• High-tech companies in need

Emerging Technologies Fund (ETF)

• Phase I: Up to $25K matching for federal SBIR/STTR
• Phase II: Up to $125K matching
• Must have federal SBIR/STTR award
• Michigan technology-based companies
• Administered by Michigan SBDC

Match on Main

• Up to $25K reimbursement grant
• Place-based businesses in Redevelopment Ready Communities or Michigan Main Street districts
• New or expanding small businesses
• Application through local government/DDA

Capital Access Programs

• Loan Participation Program
• Collateral Support Program
• Capital Access Program
• Works with lending institutions statewide
• Over $180M deployed since 2020

Michigan Mobility Funding Platform

• Grants for mobility and electrification companies
• Technology deployment in Michigan
• Office of Future Mobility and Electrification

Requirements

• Michigan business entity or operations commitment
• Technology or innovation focus (varies by program)
• Job creation potential (often required)
• Strong business plan and financial projections

ZHC-Specific Fit

✅ Excellent for:

• Michigan-based tech startups
• Early-stage companies needing validation funding
• Companies with federal SBIR/STTR awards
• Main street/place-based businesses
• Mobility and electrification ventures
• Manufacturing and advanced tech companies
• Companies needing loan support

❌ Poor fit if:

• No Michigan presence or unwilling to establish operations
• Outside technology/innovation sectors
• Late-stage companies with significant revenue

Application Process

Early Stage Funds (First Capital, Pre-Seed)

Emerging Technologies Fund

Match on Main

Capital Access Programs

Funding Details

• First Capital: Up to $150K milestone-based
• Pre-Seed Fund III: $100K-$250K
• BAF: Up to $50K (most $7K-$15K)
• ETF: $25K (Phase I) or $125K (Phase II)
• Match on Main: Up to $25K reimbursement
• Capital Access: Varies by lender and program

Key Contacts

• Invest Detroit - First Capital Fund
• Michigan Rise - Pre-Seed Fund III
• Michigan SBDC - ETF and technical assistance

• Official Website
• Early Stage Funding
• Capital Access Programs
• Match on Main
• Michigan SBDC - General support and ETF
• General Inquiries: Contact specialists through MEDC website
• SmartZone Network: Find nearest participating accelerator