How to Apply

Application Criteria - ALL APPLICANTS MUST:

1. Be approved by qualified sponsor (TechTown, Ann Arbor SPARK, Automation Alley, MI-SBTDC, Bizdom U)
2. Complete the First Step Fund Application Form
3. Submit the following documents
   • First Step Fund Application Form
   • Actual financials (Income Statement, Statement of Cash Flows and Balance Sheet)
   • Projections for at least 3 years
   • Corporate documents:
     1. Article of Incorporation / Operating Agreement
     2. Full resumes of management team members
4. Please apply on-line with all materials here.  To be considered for review, applications must indicate name of sponsor in “Referred by”.

Qualified Sponsors - Contact Information and Resources

TechTown - Detroit
TechTown’s SmartStart program clients work closely with TechTown staff, and an array of business consultants and service providers to create and execute a detailed strategy for growth. TechTown’s FastTrac program, in partnership with the Kauffman Foundation, provides services for entrepreneurs that range from business conception to growth and acceleration.

• For application, please contact Ebony Johnson at TechTown

Detroit Bizdom U
Bizdom U offers an intensive four month business development program with training and mentorship for individuals that want to start a Detroit-based business.

Ann Arbor SPARK
Ann Arbor SPARK offers an Entrepreneur Boot Camp, which are two intensive days of learning that compress the usual three-month learning curve to move business to the next level, and Business Accelerators which speed up the development of start-ups in the region with a variety of valuable services designed to shorten the time required to attract capital, customers, or other resources.

• Click here for application for Ann Arbor SPARK.

Automation Alley
Automation Alley brings together businesses, educators and government to help entrepreneurs accelerate the commercialization of new technologies and services.  With their support and resources, ideas are turned into usable, marketable technology solutions.

For More Information

Please check out our FAQs here