Business Accelerator Grants
Grants for consulting services such as business modeling, marketing, strategic planning or intellectual property advice.
Funding Type – Grant
Amount
Ann Arbor companies: Awards are typically $1,000 – $10,000, with a maximum of $50,000 total.
Outside of Ann Arbor: Up to $50,000 and start-up pays 10% of total grant.
Use of funds
Grant paid directly to a consultant, for services such as:
- Business plan development assistance
- Intellectual property advice
- Legal assistance on patents and freedom to operate
- Marketing and business development strategies
- Assistance in locating financing opportunities
- Management coaching
- Entrepreneurial education programs
Geography
If in Washtenaw, Livingston, Monroe, Jackson or Lenawee County, contact Ann Arbor SPARK. If outside the Ann Arbor region, contact your local SmartZone to apply for the state-wide Business Accelerator Fund.
Criteria for all start-ups
Industry — Technology-driven company, especially with defensible intellectual property.
Early Stage — Less than $1 million outside investment, and less than $1 million or $2.5 million in 12-month trailing revenue (depends on program requirement).
Presence in Michigan — Company is registered with the State of Michigan, and at least half of employees physically work in Michigan.
Follow-up — Company is required to report quarterly during a funding engagement, and annually afterwards for five years.
Other Criteria — Depend on requirements of the particular program.