Funding Resources
Access comprehensive funding opportunities to fuel your startup's growth, from grants and angel investors to venture capital and state programs.
Explore Funding Categories
Pitch Competitions
Pitch competitions are happening across the state, every month. This list attempts to aggregate them all in one place. Omissions and errors are likely; contribute additions or corrections by contacting us.
Start Garden 100
Michigan Founders Fund Venture Together
PitchMI Competition
eLab AI Launchpad
WomanUp Pitch Competition
Startup Zoo Pitch
5x5 Night
Michigan Outdoor Tech Pitch
Peak25 Outdoor Innovation Pitch
MiLSEA Business Plan Competition
Launch Pitch Fest
TCNewTech
Black Tech Saturdays Pitch
Michigan Tech Week Student Pitch
3x3 Pitch Competition
Idea to Physical Product Pitch
Grand Rapids Giving Day Social Enterprise
Michigan Tech Week Student Hackathon
The Pitch 4K
SCORE Muskegon Pitch
Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge
CMU Make-A-Pitch Competition
State & Government Programs
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
Offers various funding programs including loans, grants, and tax incentives for startups and growing businesses in Michigan.
Michigan Pre-Seed Fund
Provides early-stage funding to help Michigan startups validate their business models and prepare for larger investment rounds.
SBIR/STTR Programs
Federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs supporting tech innovation.
Michigan Women's Foundation
Provides funding and support specifically for women-led startups and businesses across Michigan.
Venture Capital & Investment Firms
Detroit Venture Partners
Early-stage venture capital firm investing in technology companies in Detroit and the greater Midwest region.
Invest Michigan
State-sponsored fund of funds that invests in Michigan-based venture capital and private equity funds.
Renaissance Venture Capital
Michigan-based venture capital firm focusing on early-stage technology companies with high growth potential.
Huron River Ventures
Ann Arbor-based venture capital firm investing in early-stage companies, particularly those connected to the University of Michigan.
Angel Investor Networks
Great Lakes Angels
Network of angel investors focused on early-stage companies in the Great Lakes region with strong growth potential.
Ann Arbor Angels
Angel investor group supporting startups in Southeast Michigan, particularly those with university connections.
Grand Angels
West Michigan angel investor network supporting innovative startups in the Grand Rapids area and beyond.
Kalamazoo Angel Network
Angel investors focused on supporting startups in Southwest Michigan across various industries.
Accelerators & Incubators
SURGE BoostCamp
Lakeshore Advantage's startup accelerator program supporting early-stage companies in Southwest Michigan.
Conquer Accelerator
Michigan State University Foundation's accelerator program for student and alumni entrepreneurs.
Desai Accelerator
University of Michigan's premier startup accelerator supporting student and faculty entrepreneurs.
Industry 4.0 Accelerator
Centrepolis accelerator program focused on Industry 4.0 technologies and manufacturing innovation.
100K Ventures
Venture studio and accelerator supporting early-stage startups with funding and mentorship.
E-Leap Academy
Entrepreneurship training academy providing education and support for aspiring business owners.
PureVC Residency Program
Venture capital residency program providing intensive support and funding for selected startups.
TechStars Detroit
World-renowned accelerator program with JP Morgan partnership, supporting tech startups in Detroit.
Plug and Play
Global innovation platform connecting startups with corporations for accelerator programs.
20 Fathoms Startup Bootcamp
Intensive startup bootcamp program powered by Co.Starters, focusing on business essentials.
NextCycle Michigan
Centrepolis program supporting circular economy and sustainability-focused startups.
Supply Chain Support
Centrepolis program supporting startups focused on supply chain innovation and optimization.
Southfield Evolution Lab
Centrepolis innovation lab supporting technology startups in the Southfield area.
NEI Micro Makers Evolution Lab
Specialized lab supporting micro-manufacturing and maker-focused startups and innovations.
Industrial Decarbonization Innovation Challenge
Challenge program focused on industrial decarbonization technologies and climate solutions.
Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant Program
Grant program supporting mobility and transportation innovation prototyping and development.
Defense Hardtech Accelerator Program
Specialized accelerator program supporting defense technology and hardtech innovations.
Idea to Product HardTech Accelerator
Accelerator program helping hardware and deep tech startups move from concept to market-ready products.
Heartland Climate Tech
Climate technology accelerator supporting startups focused on environmental solutions and sustainability.
RESTART
Program supporting business recovery and transformation initiatives for existing companies.
MI Climate Wise Business Program
Business program supporting climate-conscious companies and sustainable business practices.
Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator
Gener8tor's gBETA program in partnership with Michigan Founders Fund for early-stage startups.
NW Michigan APEX Accelerator
Northwest Michigan accelerator program supporting regional startups and business development.
MTEC SmartZone
Michigan technology and entrepreneurship center providing incubation and acceleration services.
AMMP Accelerator
Advanced manufacturing and materials processing accelerator supporting industrial innovation.
Room 35
Startup incubator and coworking space supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Customer Funded Startup Accelerator
Unique accelerator model focused on customer-funded growth and sustainable business development.
Capital Area Startup Studio
Startup studio in the Capital Area region supporting new venture creation and development.
NewLab
Innovation platform and accelerator supporting deep tech startups and advanced technology companies.
Funding Application Tips
1. Prepare Your Business Plan
Have a comprehensive business plan that clearly outlines your market, competition, financial projections, and growth strategy.
2. Build a Strong Team
Investors fund teams, not just ideas. Assemble a skilled team with complementary expertise and proven track records.
3. Show Market Validation
Demonstrate that there's real demand for your product or service through customer feedback, pilot programs, or early sales.
4. Know Your Numbers
Be prepared to discuss your financials in detail, including revenue projections, burn rate, and path to profitability.