The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced on Apr. 2 that its Small Business Support Hubs program has served more than 8,800 small businesses since launching in December 2023. The network of 27 hubs was established to help entrepreneurs and business owners across the state access resources, develop business plans, and navigate funding opportunities.
The program aims to strengthen Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing both guidance and capacity-building for small businesses. This is intended to help new and existing companies overcome challenges related to staffing, experience, and access to capital.
According to an interim evaluation conducted by Public Policy Associates (PPA), most of the businesses supported through the program were microbusinesses with fewer than ten employees. PPA reported that as of June 2025, over 7,500 established businesses had received assistance from the hubs; this number increased to more than 8,800 by February 2026. Of these companies, approximately ninety percent were classified as microbusinesses and sixty-seven percent were either new or early-stage firms operating for three years or less. Only five percent met criteria for second-stage businesses with at least ten full-time employees and annual revenues exceeding $1 million. More than five thousand jobs were created through these efforts while another twenty-eight thousand existing jobs were supported.
Public Policy Associates said: “The success of small businesses requires a combination of entrepreneurial determination, passion, adaptability and strategic awareness. However, without the support of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem, even the strongest small businesses may struggle. Through the Small Business Support Hubs program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has invested in this ecosystem, bringing new and scaled resources to Michigan businesses through a strong and effective partner network.”
Jay Williams, Director of Small Business Services at MEDC said: “Our Small Business Support Hubs have been a significant catalyst for increasing local, community-driven economic development and regional coordination for Michigan’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.”
In February 2026 nearly $11.3 million in state funding was approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund board for the next phase of SBSH programming following initial support from American Rescue Plan Act funds targeting COVID-19-impacted firms. Of this amount about $8 million will go toward hub operations while $3.3 million is allocated for direct assistance awards to eligible small companies.
Looking ahead MEDC plans further coordination among hubs including monthly open office hours as well as quarterly meetings with SmartZone partners.
