In November 2023, Governor Whitmer announced over $73 million in support for entrepreneurial hubs across the state. In partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), 27 organizations were selected to receive this funding.
Partnered with KEDA, the SBDC and UP Michigan Works!, the MTEC SmartZone was one of these organizations selected in Region 1. This Hub will be covering Houghton, Keweenaw, Iron, Gogebic, and Ontonagon counties. This page provides updates on the status of the Hub to keep all interested stakeholders informed and ready to access its resource once it is operational.
The MTEC SmartZone is the Hub for this grant. In addition MTEC is a network of organizations that work together to provide you with the best resources/services for you.
- Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) – Exists to foster business growth in the region, improve infrastructure, aid in the revitalization of our communities, develop/attract top talent, and enhance cultural and recreational opportunities for our residents.
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Hosted by Michigan Tech University, the Michigan SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies.
- UP Michigan Works! – a team of dedicated specialists who help people and businesses be more successful by maximizing the state and federal resources to help companies improve their workforces
For more information on the Small Business Support Hub Program click here
Program Goals
Through the Small Business Support Hubs initiative, the MSF will partner with entrepreneurial hubs to support small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will:
• Support small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19
• Cultivate a more inclusive, accessible and integrated (small business and tech) entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Increase the number of businesses served through new and scaled programming, technical assistance, and support services.
• Increase awareness of Michigan’s small business ecosystem; assist small businesses in navigating to and through local, regional and statewide business support resources.
• Expand the geographic reach of network partners into underserved and rural areas.
• Raise the national profile of Michigan’s small business ecosystem.
For more information on the grant & to start the application process please email mtec@mtecsz.com
Direct Grant Program Information
Below is information on the grant program and frequently asked questions regarding the Direct Grant program available for businesses located within this Hub’s region (see above).
Eligiblity
- Grant awards to an individual business may not exceed $20,000
Grants must relate to eligible programs or services provided by the Hub. - An applicant must have also participated in an eligible program or service at this Hub within the previous six months. Eligible programs/ services include:
- Business Coaching/ Consulting
- Workshop/ Seminar attendance (ex. SmartStart)
- Initial Hub Intake/ Meeting
- Other (please specify)
- Grant funds used to pay certification or licensing fees must result in receipt of the corresponding certification or license by 9/30/2026.
An eligible small business may only receive one small business grant.
Approved Usage of Funds
Direct Grant Funds may be used to:
- purchase equipment, inventory, software, and hardware up to $4,999 per unit
- pay for highly specialized consulting services, or other services Hub cannot provide or directly contract for
- pay certification or licensing fees (for certification or licensure received by 9/30/2026)
- Pay for any other HUB-approved cost (that is not an Ineligible Cost) related to supporting the business’ operations or growth needs
Prohibited Usage of Funds
Hub Direct Grant Funds are not permitted to be used to pay for:
- general overhead: rent, lease payments, utilities, personnel costs, professional memberships, certifications, and license renewals
- general infrastructure projects
- building–based construction or renovation
- eligible costs to be reimbursed or that have been reimbursed by another MSF, MEDC, or federal program
- projects contrary to efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19
Businesses may only receive one Direct Grant Award from all Small Business Support Hub Program Grant funding sources.
Review Process for Application
Applicants will submit required documentation at the request of The Hub. The Hub reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject an application if it:
- Does not meet the program requirements, including scope, eligibility, and allowable grant dollar use.
- Is incomplete or missing any of the required forms, narrative, and budget.
- Does not follow the outlined application requirements.
