New Small Business Support Hub overseen by Ann Arbor SPARK receives $1.25 million
Ann Arbor SPARK will oversee a new, consolidated Southeast Michigan hub for the state’s successful Small Business Support Hub program as the program adopts a new funding model and structure.
Ann Arbor SPARK will oversee a new, consolidated Southeast Michigan hub for the state’s successful Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) program as the program adopts a new funding model and structure.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) established the SBSH program in 2023 with a one-time disbursement of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. SPARK’s iteration of the program has leveraged the economic development agency’s in-house resources, as well as numerous local partnerships, to provide free business coaching, networking, and other supportive services for local entrepreneurs.
Now that the ARPA funds have been spent, MEDC has allocated $11.3 million to continue the SBSH program through 11 regional hubs, consolidated from the previous 27 hubs. That includes a $1.25 million earmark for the new Southeast Michigan hub. Kristine Nash-Wong, director of entrepreneurial services at the SPARK East office in Ypsilanti, says the new hub will combine a hub overseen by SPARK and one overseen by Jackson-based Lean Rocket Lab. The new hub will serve Washtenaw, Jackson, Livingston, Monroe, Lenawee, and Hillsdale counties.
“Each county will come forth as an equal partner, and we have an economic development leader in each county that’s providing the technical assistance to the businesses in each county because they know their counties best,” Nash-Wong says.
The $1.25 million will be parceled out mostly evenly between SPARK and five agencies serving the other counties: Lean Rocket Lab, the Hillsdale County Economic Development Partnership, Lenawee Now, the Livingston Business Hub, and Monroe County’s Launch 734. SPARK will receive a slightly larger share of the funds to cover its administrative work on the hub. Services available in each county will vary slightly based on local entrepreneurs’ needs and the local lead organization’s choices.
MEDC’s allocation for the Southeast Michigan hub sits roughly in the middle of the pack of new hubs. Mid-Michigan received $675,000, while Wayne County got $2,595,750.
Author
Related Articles
Ann Arbor’s Pretzel Bell puts Michigan businesses front and center in new menu
The Pretzel Bell, a beloved Ann Arbor restaurant with history stretching back to 1934, is rolling out a revamped menu that spotlights ingredients from a plethora of other Michigan businesses.
After 40 years, iconic Ann Arbor tavern adds second location
Casey’s Tavern East promises the same warm tavern feel that’s drawn customers to the original Casey’s Tavern for over 40 years.
New Ypsi DDA website offers free business profiles, event calendar, job board
The Ypsilanti Downtown Development Authority has launched an updated website that gives downtown Ypsi businesses and organizations new ways to connect with residents while strengthening their online presence.
