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MEDC: Supporting Michigan’s Small Businesses & Accelerating Innovation

December 19, 2025

Michigan Business Network

The Make It in Michigan Newsletter – December 2025

Welcome to December’s edition of the Make It in Michigan newsletter, your monthly roundup of Michigan’s business growth, innovation milestones and opportunities for entrepreneurs. This month, we’re looking at statewide collaboration advancing small business success, new research shaping support for growth-stage companies and major momentum across Michigan’s startup ecosystem.

Small Business Spotlight: Strategies for Success in Michigan

On Nov. 14, MEDC Small Business team members joined Mastercard’s Empowering Small Business: Strategies for Success event in Lansing, convening policymakers, community leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss Michigan’s evolving small business landscape. Insights from the MEDC Small Business Support Hubs Interim Report were presented by Public Policy Associates alongside national analysis from Mastercard Strive and Axios on trends shaping entrepreneurship nationwide.

New Resource: Growth-Stage Businesses in the Detroit Region

A new report from the New Economy Initiative and Detroit Future City highlights the critical role of growth-stage businesses in the Detroit region and the barriers that limit their expansion. Drawing on statewide survey data from Economic Impact Catalysts commissioned by the MEDC, the report outlines strategies to close gaps across capital, support networks, technology, talent and policy.

Grant Opportunity: MI Tribe Pitch Competition

On Nov. 13, Lean Rocket Lab hosted a $50,000 pitch competition for small businesses in Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee counties, supporting companies focused on physical expansion and technology adoption. Upstart Bakery and Sandhill Crane Vineyards were among the top winners.

An additional $50,000 award will be granted in January, with applications open Dec. 15 – Jan. 11 for eligible businesses.

Grant Opportunity: EGLE Recycling Infrastructure Grants

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has opened its FY26 Recycling Infrastructure Grant Request for Proposals, offering $6 million in matching, reimbursement-based funding. Projects may include expanding access to recycling, increasing processing capacity, improving collection infrastructure and supporting school or multi-family recycling initiatives. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, tribal governments, municipalities, school districts, universities and regional agencies.

Innovation Spotlight: PlaneWave/Observable Space Wins Major Award

PlaneWave/Observable Space received the John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year – Small Tier Award at the 2025 Manufacturing Excellence Awards, recognizing standout innovation and manufacturing leadership in Michigan. The space tech company also took home the “Coolest Thing Made in Michigan” award for the second time.

MEDC PitchMI Podcast: Startup Momentum in Michigan

This month’s episode features Alison Todak (MEDC) and Pete Martin (MSU Research Foundation) discussing Michigan’s growing startup ecosystem, the impact of PitchMI and this year’s winning innovations.

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