Gov. Whitmer Announces Funding for Small Business Support Hubs

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved nearly $11.3 million in legislatively appropriated, non-federal funds for the next phase of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) initiative.

“Across Michigan, small business owners and entrepreneurs step up every day to grow our economy and enrich our communities,” said Governor Whitmer. “We’re proud to have their back with today’s investment, which will empower more entrepreneurs to create good-paying jobs and chase their dreams right here in Michigan. Since 2023, our Small Business Support Hubs have invested millions of dollars in thousands of businesses to help them grow and thrive. Let’s keep working together to build a bright future for Michigan small businesses.”

“Michigan’s small businesses are the heart of our Make it in Michigan economic development strategy. This investment is rooted in supporting our People, providing pride of Place, and creating space for new and innovative Projects of all sizes,” said Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and Chair of the MSF Board. “We remain grateful to Governor Whitmer and our bipartisan partners in the Legislature for funding our small businesses through this proven and successful initiative.”

The SBSH initiative began in 2023 and has had a strong record of success, including:

• 8,800+ businesses served
• 5,000+ jobs created or retained
• 2,000+ new business starts
• $158M+ in follow-on funding
• 750+ direct grants awarded
• $3.8 million+ directly invested in Michigan small businesses

Today’s approval by the Board is to use strictly state-appropriated funds included in the FY2026 budget.

“Our Small Business Support Hubs have been a significant catalyst for increasing local, community-driven economic development and regional coordination for Michigan’s small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Jay Williams, director of Small Business Services at the MEDC. “We are grateful for the Board’s support of this nationally recognized program and eager to see what Michigan’s small business and entrepreneurial communities bring forward.”

An estimated $8 million will be utilized for hub operations, programming and services, and regional ecosystem coordination. The other $3.3 million will be used for limited direct business assistance awards to eligible small businesses.

Awards to the hubs will be issued for an initial one-year term, with the option to extend yearly, for up to an additional two years subject to performance, available funds, and approval by the MSF. The application process will last at least 60 days, from April 1, 2026, to June 1, 2026. For more information, please visit the SBSH website. 

NOTE FROM THE MEDC: Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as reimbursement based on eligible expenditures, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.