It’s hard to be a small business, plain and simple. It is stressful to manage employees, perhaps for the first time, not to mention your anxieties about the duties of entrepreneurship and the financial implications of both success and failure.
For that reason, many people starting a small business are eager to find funding wherever they can. Should that funding happen to be free? So much the better.
This is where small business grants come in. Grants are a wonderful funding option because, unlike loans, you don’t need to repay them. Also, unlike venture capital, you don’t exchange money for an ownership stake in your company or a share of the profits.
If you are a Michigan business, then no doubt you are eager to learn more about the options for small business grants in Michigan.
Happily, Michigan is a great place to be a small business, according to recent figures from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The state is home to more than 900,000 of them, representing 99.6% of all businesses within its borders. Small businesses employ 1.9 million workers, which equates to 47 percent of the workforce in the state overall. Suffice it to say, small business is very important to the economy of Michigan.
Even better news: When it comes to small business grants 2025 looks to be a good year. All business owners have lots of options for grant funding, ranging from the state to federal level, and niche grants to private or corporate ones.
In today’s post, we’re going to take a close look at all of these options. We will also discuss how to apply for them most effectively, so that you have the best possible chance of getting the boost your business needs.
Small business grants, like loans and venture capital, comprise lump sums of money meant to help your business grow. Unlike loans, you do not have to pay grants back. You are given the money, sometimes with guidelines on how it must be used, but it is yours forever.
Unlike venture capital, grants do not require that you give up an ownership stake in your company. You also don’t have to pay the grant her a share of the profits later. Again, the money is yours.
This leads to a number of benefits:
Not only is there a multifaceted Michigan grant program, but there are also many funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and startup companies from other sources. Let’s take a look at those now.
When it comes to grant opportunities Michigan offers a number from which you can choose. These grants are unique to the state, so you will not be competing with businesses outside its borders. And just like there are a huge number of small businesses in the Great Lake State, there are also many small business grants in Michigan.
The following list represents only a few of the biggest grants. Make sure to do your research to discover everything that might apply to you. That way, you can expand in the early years without the risk of debt.
For the best funding opportunities Michigan can offer, check Capital Access first. It offers both resources and money for taking your biz to the next level. Funding varies.
There are a number of grant programs under the Capital Access heading, so first research which one is right for you. Then take note of application deadlines and get your documents in.
MI-STEP is one of the small business grants in Michigan if you are looking to expand soon. The program is dedicated to businesses that want to export to other states or countries. Funding varies.
First, review the eligibility requirements to participate in the program. Then contact the appropriate International Trade Assistance representative to apply.
With funding of up to $25,000, Match on Main helps businesses located in economically important areas in Michigan.
You can submit up to 2 applications per funding round. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so read the requirements at the above link and apply today.
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is offering up to $5,000 to help businesses become safer and healthier. It’s one of the easiest small business grants 2025 will bring, so apply if you fit the bill.
Applying is simple. Fill out the Microsoft Word application available here.
Small business grants in Michigan also include those that are geared toward a specific industry, especially technology, as well as other important sectors. Below you will find some of the most important small business grants 2025 will likely bring.
For manufacturers who need small business grants to modernize technology at the business, the Industry 4.0 Technology Implementation Grant is a can’t-miss option. It’s not for technology companies, but rather for manufacturing businesses whose gear needs an upgrade. According to the website, you can get “50% reimbursement for qualifying I4.0 technology costs up to $25,000.”
Read through the rules carefully to make sure you’re a qualifying manufacturer before you start the application. If you have questions, talk to your regional I4.0 grant administrator.
Don’t worry, when it comes to small business grants 2025 still has some for the tech companies. The Michigan Emerging Technologies Fund will match funding from the SBIR/STTR grants (see Federal Grants, below) for qualifying businesses.
Make sure to review the guidelines before submitting your application, as they are extensive. Also note that this grant can only apply to those who have received SBIR/STTR funding.
Federal grants are another powerful and lucrative source of the small business grants 2025 will likely offer. They apply to businesses across the nation, but if you meet the qualifications, you still have a very good chance of getting them.
America’s Seed Fund (through the Small Business Administration) powers the SBIR grant, which helps you advance a scientific or technological idea through research to the commercial stage. Funding is non-dilutive, which means you will receive it without giving up an ownership stake or sharing the decision-making process.
SBIR money is funneled through different agencies, so the first step is to identify the one(s) to which you’ll apply. If you’re having a hard time figuring out the application process, you can find a local representative to assist.
The STTR is very similar to the SBIR and is paid for by the same government bodies. The only difference is that businesses must choose a nonprofit research institution with which to pair during development.
Institutions often take the form of government laboratories or research universities. Make sure you think about who would be a good partner before applying for this grant.
See instructions for SBIR, above.
Is your business useful in national defense? Then the DoD might want to hear about it and grant you funds to further your commercial idea. Some of their programs are more like contracts, but can still provide you the investment you need in your business’s success.
Funding from the Defense Department can take a number of forms, so like the SBIR and STTR, first make sure you locate the right application channel.
If you’re in the energy field, make sure to check out government funding from the DoE. They offer grants in a range of potential fields, including clean energy, nuclear power, and carbon fuels.
Start by choosing the applicable sector on the page above and clicking “View More.” You will see the currently available opportunities and can apply accordingly.
Anyone who works in the health sciences field should track possible small business grants through the National Institutes of Health’s SEED initiative. The funding is, like the SBIR and STTR, non-dilutive, so you can retain the whole stake in your company. They offer contracts as well.
Funding opportunities change throughout the year. Use the link above to keep track and apply when relevant.
Last on our list of small business grants in Michigan are the corporate and private foundation grants. Large companies and privately established foundations often offer free money to help small businesses get going. Here are some common small business grants 2025 will likely repeat.
While Visa’s grants are not guaranteed to be offered, the Visa Foundation continually funds various programs for underserved, women-owned, and minority businesses. Their grants do vary, but it is worth always keeping an eye on their page, including in 2025.
The best way to stay apprised of grants through Visa is to pay attention to any announcements they might make, though you can always get in touch with them through the link above.
The good news about a FedEx small business grant is that you have a chance to apply for one every year. The annual round of grant funding includes $50,000 for the grand prize winner and $20,000 each for nine other winners.
Monitor the FedEx grant page and apply as soon as the application window opens. Take note of past winners to see what’s compelling about their stories and try to bring that same magic to your own!
Business owners are by their nature self-employed, so it’s good to know there’s a group looking out for you, right? The NASE offers grants up to $4,000 for business development activities, to be used at your discretion.
You can apply for this grant at any time throughout the year and grant applications will be reviewed once a quarter. Although you don’t have to be a NASE member to apply, it may improve your chances.
Named for a woman who died at the tender age of 19 before achieving her own business ambitions, the Amber Grant is dedicated to funding female enterprises. There is a monthly $10,000 prize, and every year there are an additional three $25,000 prizes, available to winners from the past 36 months. That’s a potential $35,000 total.
The grant is available on a monthly basis. If you do not win, you can apply again, but you should do so when something significant changes in your business and life, not just every month.
Et voilà: A complete starting place for your 2025 grant search!
It may feel overwhelming to apply for small business grants in Michigan, but remember that you have as good a chance as anyone else. Make sure that you take your time, research all the applicable small business grants, and start with this list first. Happy hunting!
This portion of our website is for informational or educational purposes only. Tailor Brands is not a law firm, and the information on this website does not constitute legal advice. All statements, opinions, recommendations, and conclusions are solely the expression of the author and provided on an as-is basis. Accordingly, Tailor Brands is not responsible for the information and/or its accuracy or completeness. It also does not indicate any affiliation between Tailor Brands and any other brands, services or logos on this page.
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