Special to the Lansing News Wire
LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the 23 Michigan organizations that will receive grant funding from the Trusted Connector Grant program, which provide grants to organizations such as chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations that engage with under-represented small businesses and/or tech-based entrepreneurs across the state. Additionally, a Detroit-based company will receive grant funding from the Entrepreneur Support Grant program.
In total, the $6.8 million in Trusted Connector Grants and a $2 million Entrepreneur Support Grant will allow the selected organizations to continue providing technical assistance programming, networking events, mentorship, and outreach to small businesses throughout Michigan.
“We are invested in the success of Michigan’s small businesses and are committed to doing everything we can to provide them with the resources they need for growth,” said MEDC Senior Vice President of Small Business & Talent Amy Rencher. “Economic development draws on the power of community, and the organizations selected to receive Trusted Connector Grant funds and our Entrepreneur Support Grant program awardee, Dunamis Charge, represent the strength of the state’s small business environment and entrepreneurial spirit. We cannot do this work alone, and we are proud to serve alongside them.”
Trusted Connector Grant
The Trusted Connector grants total $6.8 million in funding to support small business development initiatives across the state. This funding opportunity provides grants to organizations such as chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations that regularly convene and engage under-represented small businesses and/or tech-based entrepreneurs through technical assistance programming, networking events, mentorship, and outreach.
While most grantees have multi-county service areas, several grantees will serve entrepreneurs statewide. The funding opportunity was highly competitive, with 44 eligible applications demonstrating $15 million in need across the state to increase awareness of resources available to entrepreneurs and to provide expert, culturally competent technical assistance.
The 23 grantees are established organizations skilled in meeting critical competitiveness and growth needs of Michigan small businesses in the areas of capital access preparedness; increasing digital acumen; promoting awareness of, and connection to, technology and innovation resources; facilitating expert-led mentorship and networking opportunities; providing and/or facilitating one-on-one coaching; providing and/or facilitating workshops and seminars with industry leaders; and providing appropriate referrals to Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem partners to meet specific needs of the entrepreneur, according to industry or growth acceleration.
| Applicant | Region | Granted Funding |
| Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce | 4 | $250,000 |
| Middle Michigan Development Corporation | 5 | $310,848 |
| LEAP (Lansing Economic Area Partnership) | 7 | $250,000 |
| Lakeshore Advantage | 8 | $300,000 |
| Black Wall Street Kalamazoo | 8 | $300,000 |
| Southwest Michigan First Corporation | 8 | $300,000 |
| Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation | 8 | $250,000 |
| Lean Rocket Lab | 9 | $250,000 |
| Black Tech Saturdays | 10 | $1,000,000 |
| ACCESS | 10 | $250,000 |
| Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce | 10 | $250,000 |
| Detroit Regional Chamber | 10 | $250,000 |
| Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce | 10 | $250,000 |
| Global Detroit | 10 | $250,000 |
| Oakland Thrive | 10 | $250,000 |
| Sisters Code | 10 | $250,000 |
| Venture Catalysts | 10 | $250,000 |
| MHHP Chamber of Commerce | 10 | $249,202 |
| E. Warren Development Corp. | 10 | $180,000 |
| Great Lakes Women’s Business Council | Statewide | $359,950 |
| National Veteran Business Development Council | Statewide | $300,000 |
| Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | Statewide | $250,000 |
| National Business League | Statewide | $250,000 |
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber (SMRC) is a 501(c)6 non-profit, business advocacy and collective-impact organization serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. As the largest chamber in the region, SMRC leverages its extensive network to strengthen regional assets, advocate for regional priorities and cultivate an economic ecosystem that prepares the region for future opportunity.
The organization is receiving $250,000 in Trusted Connector grant funds to support and expand its Chamber Growth Alliance (CGA) model within Berrien County. SMRC will hire three new CGA Directors to deliver on-the-ground business development services in these currently underserved communities, including the HUBZones of census tract 213 (Berrien Springs) and the Pokagon Reservation. By embedding dedicated CGA Directors within these communities, SMRC will create a stronger, more inclusive economic ecosystem that empowers businesses, attracts investment, and lays the groundwork for lasting prosperity.
“The Trusted Connector grant is a transformative investment that allows the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber to expand our Chamber Growth Alliance model into underserved areas of Berrien County, embedding dedicated support directly into local communities,” said Resource Development Director Molly McFadden. “This funding will strengthen our ability to connect small businesses with critical resources, drive inclusive economic growth, and create a more resilient and diverse regional economy.”
Headquartered in Southeast Michigan, the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce (APACC) is a nonprofit business organization committed to advancing economic growth, business success and professional development across industries. APACC connects corporations, entrepreneurs, small business owners and professionals to strategic resources and meaningful relationships that help drive innovation and strengthen Michigan’s economic landscape.
APACC is receiving $250,000 in Trusted Connector grant funding; with this award, the organization will focus on enhancing supplier readiness, expanding technical assistance and deepening access to capital and mentorship – empowering small businesses to grow, compete and lead in today’s evolving economy. One program APACC intends to launch will expand multilingual resources to break down barriers, enhancing accessibility to APACC’s Multilingual Small Business Resource Guide and ensuring non-English-speaking business owners can navigate funding, procurement, and legal resources.
“The Trusted Connector Grant strengthens the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to supporting small business owners, especially those shaped by resilience, innovation, and cultural insight,” said APACC Executive Director Duc Nguyen Abrahamson. “This investment expands our reach across Michigan, ensuring that diverse entrepreneurs have access to the tools and relationships they need to thrive, contributing to the long-term growth and stability of our state’s economy.”
The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) was established in 2013 to address the growing need to identify and certify both service disabled and veteran-owned businesses in the government and commercial marketplace. As a statewide awardee, the NVBDC will use its $300,000 Trusted Connector grant to scale and implement its global growth initiatives. The organization plans to extend its certification internationally to help veteran entrepreneurs in exporting and importing industries access U.S. and foreign markets. This funding will support expatriate NVBDC-certified veteran-owned businesses by training them to connect and integrate into multinational corporate supplier diversity programs.
“Support from the Trusted Connector Grant will allow the National Veteran Business Development Council to expand our certification, training, and global trade programs, providing critical access to corporate and government supply chains for veteran-owned businesses,” said Founder and CEO Keith King. “This funding directly enhances our ability to drive economic growth, create jobs, and empower small businesses across Michigan and beyond.”
Entrepreneur Support Grant
The Entrepreneur Support Grant is a $2 million follow-on funding opportunity for exceptional performance from a previous awardee of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Support Grant. Dunamis Charge, an EV charging solutions company based in Detroit, was selected for this opportunity.
Founded in 2020 by a team of passionate engineers and entrepreneurs, Dunamis Charge recognized the critical need for convenient and reliable EV charging infrastructure. With Michigan at the forefront of the automotive and mobility industries, the company envisioned a unique opportunity to contribute to the state’s economic diversification and environmental sustainability. The company has deployed over 100 public and private charging ports across Michigan.
With the award funding, Dunamis Charge will continue to manufacture safe, reliable, durable EV charging systems that will be deployed on a national and international scale using a local Michigan workforce and predominantly Michigan-based supply chain.
The award funding will specifically be used for:
Expanding EV charging infrastructure: Dunamis Charge plans to deploy an additional 250 level 2 and fast-charging stations across Michigan, focusing on urban areas and key travel corridors. This will significantly reduce range anxiety and encourage broader EV adoption, particularly among low- and moderate-income communities.
Creating jobs: The project will generate at least 25 new full-time positions in installation, maintenance, and customer service, with a focus on unemployed and underemployed Michigan residents.
Enhancing community well-being: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Dunamis Charge contributes to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all Michiganders. This aligns with key MI Healthy Climate Plan objectives, such as creating good-paying jobs, spurring economic development, making Michigan energy independent, and protecting and improving the health of Michiganders.
Support from the Michigan Legislature:
“Ongoing support for targeted and thoughtful small business initiatives, such as the Trusted Grant Connector and the Entrepreneurship Support Grant, will contribute to a more diverse and thriving economy in Michigan,” said Senate Appropriations Chair Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing). “I am optimistic these investments will have lasting benefits on our communities in the years ahead, particularly in terms of economic opportunities for women and people of color, who have historically faced barriers in accessing these resources.”
“As Chair of the Labor and Economic Opportunity budget, I know that providing entrepreneurs with wraparound supports for every stage of their business promotes greater economic equity and empowers business leaders to continue to build a stronger entrepreneurial environment,” said State Sen. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford). “Congratulations to the grant recipients and I look forward to your continued contributions to our local communities and the entire state of Michigan.”
“Congratulations to the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce, Madison Heights Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce, Sisters Code, and Venture Catalysts, on receiving MEDC Trusted Connector grants! Supporting underrepresented small businesses and ensuring they have the networks, technical assistance, and mentorship to succeed is so critical for the ability of our communities across Michigan to thrive,” said State Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit). ”I am thrilled that these hardworking organizations will be able to take their efforts to the next level, thanks to MEDC’s grant program.”
“I’m proud to see the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Foundation receive this significant investment through the MEDC’s Trusted Connector Grant Program,” said State Rep. Joey Andrews (D-St. Joseph). “This $250,000 award recognizes the Foundation’s outstanding work supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in our region, especially those that have been historically underrepresented. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and this funding will help strengthen the resources, mentorship and connections they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven environment. I’m glad to see MEDC use the appropriation from our strategically crafted, balanced budget to launch this impactful program, one that directly supports local economic growth and entrepreneurial success in communities like ours.”
“ACCESS plays a major role in helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into sustainable businesses by providing the tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive,” said State Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn). “I’m proud to have an organization in my district that is so dedicated to supporting the hard-working people running our small businesses. I congratulate ACCESS on this award and look forward to working with them as they continue providing crucial support for local entrepreneurs.”
“I applaud the MEDC for investing in two excellent organizations in my district with track records of helping small businesses thrive,“ said State Rep. Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy), whose district is home to the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce and the National Veteran Business Development Council. “These organizations are trusted leaders in Metro Detroit’s small business community. This investment from the state will help them to assist more small business owners in achieving their American dream.”
“I’m thrilled to see Lean Rocket Lab once again recognized as a leader in small business development and innovation,” said State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz (R-Jackson). “This new grant will allow them to expand their reach and continue providing critical resources that help local entrepreneurs succeed. Supporting small businesses is one of the best ways we can invest in our communities and grow Jackson’s economy.”
“Michigan’s small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and they deserve support to build them up,” said State Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit). “I secured funding for this year’s Trusted Connector Grants as Speaker of the House last term, and I’m excited to see the impact these organizations will have in helping cultivate local businesses, especially in my hometown of Detroit. The Entrepreneur Support grant is an example of continuing investment. We’re committed to making sure Michigan businesses don’t just launch, but soar. Congratulations to all grantees!”
“These grants help support vital small business development in our local communities and the great service of organizations like the National Veteran Business Development Council. When we work to strengthen small businesses and our local economies, we build stronger communities for families across our state,” said State Sen. Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills).
About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.