Small Business Support Hubs

In July 2026, 11 organizations were selected to serve as Small Business Support Hubs. Hubs were selected through a competitive application round based on their ability to provide comprehensive resources and support to the state's small businesses in each of the state's 10 prosperity regions — as well as one statewide organization. Selected hubs include:

• Region 1: Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation ($850,000)
• Region 2: Northwest Michigan Council of Governments ($697,500)
• Region 3: Northeast Michigan Council of Governments ($615,000)
• Region 4: West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ($1,488,250)
• Region 5: Central Michigan University Research Corporation ($645,000)
• Region 6: Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County ($880,000)
• Region 7: Lansing Economic Area Partnership ($675,000)
• Region 8: Southwest Michigan First Corporation ($930,000)
• Region 9: Ann Arbor SPARK ($1,250,000)
• Region 10: Wayne State University Research & Technology Park in City of Detroit dba TechTown Detroit ($2,595,750)
• Statewide: Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation ($650,000)

The 2.0 program will build a true “hub and spoke” model of support within each Michigan prosperity region. Awards will be issued for an initial one-year term, with the option to extend yearly for an additional two years – subject to performance, available funding and approval by MSF.

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Background Information: Application and Eligibility 

Eligible applicants included non-profit organization that self-identify as an entrepreneurial hub, are headquartered in Michigan and in good standing with the state. Eligible applicants included, but were not limited to:

• Business Service Organizations (“BSO”)/Entrepreneurial Service Organizations (“ESO”)
• Entrepreneurial hubs, business accelerators or business incubators  
• Tribal entities
• Other entities serving small business owners in diverse, rural and other underrepresented communities  

Eligible entrepreneurial hubs are entities that have a physical space that provides training and resources to entrepreneurs through a combination of direct services, remote services and referral relationships. 

• Direct services include on-site support through staff, contractors or strategic partnerships
• Remote services include off-site support through field staff, contractors or strategic partnerships
• Referral relationships, meaning partnerships with organizations, entities or individuals with distinct or complementary technical or culturally competent expertise 

Services provided by hubs may include one-on-one coaching, consultations, workshops, seminars, cohort-based learning, incubation and accelerator activities, as well as networking and mentorship opportunities. 

Additional Background Information

The first iteration of the Small Business Support Hub Program (SBSH 1.0) received approval by the Michigan Strategic Fund in June 2023, following the passage of the $75 million Small Business Smart Zones and Business Accelerators initiative by the Michigan legislature. The program was funded by a one-time appropriation using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to create and operate programs to support small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Through a competitive application process, 27 Support Hubs across the state were selected to help entrepreneurs navigate Michigan's small business ecosystem and gain awareness of federal, state and local resources. Read about SBSH impact at: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/news/2024/02/small-business-support-hubs/. 

For Support Hubs that were awarded funding from the first funding round, please refer to the compliance webpage for compliance documents and information. These Support Hubs have until September 30, 2026 to complete all compliance documents.

Clarification Regarding Eligible Small Businesses Served

The Small Business Support Hubs Program supports eligible small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Michigan, including for-profit businesses. Eligible businesses may receive technical assistance, training, business development services, and other forms of support as outlined in the Program Guidelines. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to receive services when consistent with program objectives and eligibility requirements.