The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a disaster declaration for Cheboygan, Emmet, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, Otsego, Montmorency, and Mackinac counties following the severe ice storm in March. Affected small businesses and residents may now apply for low-interest disaster loans.

Available loan types include:

• Business Physical Disaster Loans: For repairing or replacing damaged property, inventory, equipment, or real estate. (Deadline: August 8, 2025)
• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL): For working capital needs due to the disaster’s impact. (Deadline: March 9, 2026)
• Home Disaster Loans: For homeowners and renters replacing damaged property or vehicles.

Business owners can also receive loan application assistance through the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Learn more and apply on the MySBA Loan Portal ➔

Request an SBDC support appointment ➔

Centrepolis Accelerator, a key player in Michigan’s innovation ecosystem, continues to help startups grow through resources like the Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant. The Centrepolis Accelerator, based in Southeast Michigan and housed at Lawrence Technological University, drives the growth of small manufacturers and hardware startups by providing funding, prototyping facilities, design engineering, business strategy tools, mentorship, and workspace. It operates as part of Michigan’s “SmartZone” ecosystem, helping entrepreneurs bring physical products to market domestically and accelerate commercialization through grant programs and expert support.

Mark your calendar for Oct. 1, 2025. Renaissance Venture Capital’s Fall UnDemo Day® is back and bigger than ever. This unique event connects Michigan startups with venture capitalists in curated 1:1 meetings designed to spark investment and accelerate growth. Startups from across the state can now apply to participate.

Apply now ➔

Event details ➔ 

The University Research Corridor — comprising Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Michigan Technological University — has rebranded as Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M). The new name reflects a deep commitment to driving statewide impact through research, innovation, and collaboration.

Based in Troy, Blueflite is transforming how goods are delivered through its innovative drone-based logistics platform. With a focus on speed, sustainability, and accessibility, Blueflite designs and manufactures drones that can deliver essential items, like medical supplies and industrial parts, faster and more efficiently.

Backed by MEDC support, Blueflite continues to grow its operations in Michigan, attracting new partners and driving innovation in the future of mobility.

These informative videos show how the MEDC helps businesses grow and connects talent with opportunity across Michigan.

• July 24: Doing Business in Saudi Arabia and UAE webinar
• August 14: Taiwan Procurement Mission to the U.S. (U.S. Supplier Registration Deadline is August 1)
• Sept. 15-20: Grand Rapids Tech Week
• Sept. 24 – Oct. 3: A2Tech360 Week
• Oct. 1: Renaissance Venture Capital Fall UnDemo Day
• Oct. 6-9: Trade Mission to Québec
• Nov. 17-20: Trade Mission to MEDICA (Germany)
• Dec. 5-11: Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE

If you have questions or ideas for what you’d like to see in future newsletters, reply to this email or reach out to your MEDC contact. Thanks for helping Michigan businesses thrive.