The tech startup community in Detroit will be receiving a boost!
Detroit Startup Fund
According to a news release, Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC) officials, City Council President Mary Sheffield, and additional leaders gathered at New Lab at Michigan Central to announce the launch of the Detroit Startup Fund. This $700,000 initiative will award grants to various tech startups in Detroit.
“This fund isn’t just about money. It’s about validation and creating pathways for startups that traditional funding sources often overlooked,” Black Tech Saturdays Co-Founder Johnnie Turnage said in the news release. “Detroit and Michigan have incredible talent, but we’ve often lacked the early-stage support that helps startups create jobs. This fund is a monumental step in helping change that.”
The first two rounds of recipients will be awarded over the next year, totaling 26 grants — including 20 seed grants of $15,000 each and six scale grants of $50,000 each. The overarching goal is to empower founders with innovative ideas, establish jobs, retain talent, and create $1 million in economic activity for Detroit startups.
The 13 first-round winners will be announced in late 2025, with applications for the second cohort opening in 2026.
“Detroit has a rich legacy of driving innovation and economic mobility. This fund will give founders the capital and visibility needed to grow and create high-quality jobs right here at home,” Justin Onwenu, Detroit’s first director of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity, said in the news release. “By lowering barriers and expanding access, we’re driving economic mobility for years to come.”
Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corp., commented:
“This program will create a ripple effect across our local economy. Every startup that stays in or comes to Detroit because of this new Detroit Startup Fund will drive growth — hiring locally, sourcing from Detroit vendors, and inspiring other entrepreneurs to follow suit.”
Apply Today
Applications for the Detroit Startup Fund’s first round of grants are now open. For those interested, click here. The deadline to apply is Aug. 25.
