Resources

Eastern Michigan University is situated in a region abundant with resources and services tailored for entrepreneurs and startup companies. Beyond local and regional support, there are state and federally funded programs specifically designed to assist tech startups. Below is a list of these resources along with their corresponding links. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we may assist you in connecting with the appropriate resource.

  • Ann Arbor Spark Expand dropdown

    Ann Arbor SPARK is the economic development entity for greater Washtenaw region.  It promotes business development in the area  and offers services to tech startups.

    Over a recent five-year period, Spark provided $7 million in grants, helped companies raise $1.22 billion in private equity, and supported nearly 500 companies.  Startup services include business accelerator grants, entrepreneur-in-residence connecting first-time founders with experienced entrepreneurs, intensive eight-week business startup boot camp, and co-working space. 

    The SPARK East Innovation Center, one of SPARK’s two co-working spaces, is located in downtown Ypsilanti.  In addition to providing co-working space, the SPARK East Innovation Center provides resources and services for early-stage tech startups.

  • BBCetc Expand dropdown

    For over 30 years, BBCetc has assisted small businesses obtain non-dilutive R&D funding from government sources. Supported by the Michigan Strategic Fund and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, BBCetc offers free consultation, training, and proposal development to Michigan-based high-tech small business seeking federal SBIR/STTR funds.

  • Michigan Small Business Development Center (Michigan SBDC) Expand dropdown

    The Michigan SBDC serves Michigan companies in a variety of ways.  Regional offices provide traditional business development supports, such as workshops on how to start/grow a a business or create a business plan, and access to information like market research.

    The Michigan SBDC Tech Team offers consulting and expertise in technology commercialization. Their consultants cover various industries, including aerospace, defense, and agriculture, as well as essential startup areas like customer discovery, SBIR/STTR funding, product development, and intellectual property valuation.

     The Michigan SBDC also has funding for high-tech startup companies through it Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) program

  • Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Expand dropdown

    The MEDC provides broad support for Michigan-based business and industry.  Support pertaining to high-tech startups includes programs and activities for commercializing University technology, supporting technology companies, and funding for technology companies.

    University Commercialization Programs funded by MEDC include:

    ADVANCE: ADVANCE is a program administered by MSU and focuses on early-stage proof-of-concept.  The purpose of this program is to support a pipeline of de-risked technologies to encourage startup opportunities for further advancement.

    Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization (MTRAC) Program:  Created in 2012, accelerates the transfer of University-created technologies into the marketplace.  There are five innovation hubs hosted by different Michigan Universities.  The Hubs include: Agri-Bio Innovations, (MSU); Life Sciences, (UM); Advanced Transportation, (UM); Advanced Materials, (MTU); Advanced Computing, (WSU). 

    Technology Transfer Talent Network (T3N): T3N is a statewide university network that provides key talent and critical expertise on the commercialization strategies for university projects.  The EMU Technology Transfer Office can facilitate the use of these services. 

    Michigan University Innovation Capital Fund (MUICF):  This venture capital fund provides pre-seed investment in Michigan companies based on research from Michigan's public universities that demonstrate high potential for driving economic growth and innovation.

    Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund: Eligible individuals who may not qualify for other business loans can apply for up to $50,000 microbusiness loan from the Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund.