About this programme
The Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) is available to participating business accelerators in Michigan's statewide SmartZone network. It exists to help startups in Michigan move from idea to commercialization by covering the cost of specialized services that are often too expensive for young companies. TechTown Detroit is a participating partner and administrator of BAF funding.
Rather than giving cash directly to a startup, the fund is used to deliver specialized services not otherwise available from a participating accelerator, regardless of the company's geography. A participating business accelerator engages a third-party specialist on the client's behalf to help advance the company's path to commercialization, company success, and economic impact for the state of Michigan.
How it works
A participating business accelerator (such as TechTown) engages a third-party specialist to deliver services covering market analysis, intellectual property guidance, business development, and investor readiness for the client company.
BAF requests are reviewed and awarded through a competitive process.
At TechTown, BAF sits alongside the organization's other tech programs, such as Start Studio and Scale Studio for founders at different stages, and MAIN and MedHealth for sector-specific support; BAF itself is not tied to a single founder stage, but works as an add-on layer of specialist services for companies already engaged with a SmartZone accelerator.
Who can apply
BAF serves early-stage tech companies working on innovative products or services that need expert guidance to scale, and that are working with a participating business accelerator in Michigan's statewide SmartZone network. The official page states the fund helps advanced technology companies regardless of the company's geography.
Frequently asked
Does BAF give cash grants directly?
No. The fund pays for specialized services, such as market analysis, IP guidance, business development, and investor readiness support, delivered through a participating business accelerator rather than as a direct cash award.
How are BAF requests decided?
BAF requests are reviewed and awarded through a competitive process.
Who administers BAF funding?
TechTown Detroit is a participating partner and administrator of BAF funding within Michigan's SmartZone network.
How does BAF relate to TechTown's other programs?
It isn't tied to a specific founder stage the way Start Studio, Scale Studio, MAIN or MedHealth are. BAF works as an add-on layer of paid specialist services for a company already working with a participating SmartZone accelerator.
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All 7 programmes in Michigan →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.