The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has launched Small Business Support Hubs across the state. These hubs aim to offer extensive resources and support to Michigan’s small businesses. The program, introduced in June 2023, funds entrepreneurial hubs for operations, programming, and direct support to small businesses.
In November 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced a $73 million funding allocation to 27 organizations to serve as Support Hubs. The program received over 80 applications, requesting a total of $275 million, indicating the high demand for resources among Michigan’s small businesses. The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) for Region 7 and the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation received funding.
The first event for the Support Hubs took place in Lansing on February 5. Representatives from the MEDC, LEAP, SBAM, Bath Charter Township, and the City of St. Johns discussed the program’s benefits for small businesses in Lansing and across Michigan. Bob Trezise, CEO of LEAP, thanked the partners in the TREK HUB, attributing the grant’s success to their collaboration.