LANSING – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved nearly $11.3 million in legislatively appropriated, non-federal funds for the next phase of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) initiative, according to a press release on Tuesday.

“Across Michigan, small business owners and entrepreneurs step up every day to grow our economy and enrich our communities,” Whitmer said in the release. “We’re proud to have their back with today’s investment, which will empower more entrepreneurs to create good-paying jobs and chase their dreams right here in Michigan. Since 2023, our Small Business Support Hubs have invested millions of dollars in thousands of businesses to help them grow and thrive. Let’s keep working together to build a bright future for Michigan small businesses.”

“Michigan’s small businesses are the heart of our Make it in Michigan economic development strategy. This investment is rooted in supporting our People, providing pride of Place, and creating space for new and innovative Projects of all sizes,” Quentin Messer, Jr., CEO of the MEDC and Chair of the MSF Board, said in the release. “We remain grateful to Governor Whitmer and our bipartisan partners in the Legislature for funding our small businesses through this proven and successful initiative.”

According to Whitmer, the SBSH initiative began in 2023 and has had a record of success, including:

– 8,800+ businesses served

– 5,000+ jobs created or retained

– 2,000+ new business starts

– $158M+ in follow-on funding

– 750+ direct grants awarded

– $3.8 million+ directly invested in Michigan small businesses

Tuesday’s approval by the board is to use strictly state-appropriated funds included in the FY2026 budget.

“Our Small Business Support Hubs have been a significant catalyst for increasing local, community-driven economic development and regional coordination for Michigan’s small businesses and entrepreneurs,” Jay Williams, director of Small Business Services at the MEDC, said in the release. “We are grateful for the board’s support of this nationally recognized program and eager to see what Michigan’s small business and entrepreneurial communities bring forward.”

An estimated $8 million will be utilized for hub operations, programming and services, and regional ecosystem coordination, according to the release. The other $3.3 million will be used for limited direct business assistance awards to eligible small businesses.

Awards to the hubs will be issued for an initial one-year term, with the option to extend yearly, for up to an additional two years subject to performance, available funds, and approval by the MSF. The application process will last at least 60 days, from April 1 to June 1. For more information, visit michiganbusiness.org/services/small-business-support-hub/.