Detroit, Michigan, February 3, 2026
The City of Detroit is now accepting applications for its second round of municipal seed grants to support early-stage startups and drive innovation. This initiative includes 26 grants totaling $700,000, divided into seed and scale grants. Eligible applicants must be Detroit-based startups established within the last 10 years, with business models focused on improving city services. The application period closes on August 25, 2025, aiming to enhance the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and retain talent.
Detroit Seeks Startup Founders for Second Round of Municipal Seed Grants
Detroit, Michigan – The City of Detroit is inviting applications for the second round of its municipal seed grants, aiming to support early-stage startups and foster innovation within the city. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and retain local talent.
Grant Details
The Detroit Startup Fund, a $700,000 program launched in July 2025, is offering a total of 26 grants to eligible startups. These grants are divided into two categories:
- Seed Grants: 20 grants of $15,000 each for early-stage startups.
- Scale Grants: 6 grants of up to $50,000 each for more developed businesses that meet specific investment criteria.
To qualify, applicants must be startups or founders based in Detroit, established within the last 10 years, with scalable business models offering products or services that can improve city services or quality of life for Detroit residents. Additionally, scale grant applicants need to have secured at least $100,000 in external investment and raised a minimum of $250,000 in the past 18 months. Applications are open and will close on August 25, 2025. Interested startups can apply online through the city’s official website.
Program Objectives
The primary goals of the Detroit Startup Fund are to:
- Create jobs within the city.
- Encourage innovation that benefits Detroit residents.
- Retain local entrepreneurial talent.
Grant recipients may use the funds for various growth activities, including product development, hiring, market testing, and customer acquisition. However, awardees are also required to commit to becoming certified Detroit-based businesses and share progress updates with city officials and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC).
Background Context
This initiative builds upon previous efforts by the City of Detroit to support local businesses and entrepreneurs. In March 2024, a $3.4 million grant was announced to establish 25 Small Business Support Hubs across the city, providing coaching, training, networking, and other resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow companies. Additionally, the Detroit Legacy Business Project offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 to small businesses that meet specific criteria, aiming to preserve and support longstanding businesses in the community.
Through these initiatives, Detroit continues to invest in its entrepreneurial community, fostering an environment conducive to business growth and innovation.
FAQ
What is the Detroit Startup Fund?
The Detroit Startup Fund is a $700,000 program launched in July 2025 by the City of Detroit, offering a total of 26 grants to eligible startups to support early-stage and scaling companies.
How many grants are available, and what are the amounts?
The fund offers 26 grants: 20 seed grants of $15,000 each for early-stage startups, and 6 scale grants of up to $50,000 each for more developed businesses meeting specific investment criteria.
Who is eligible to apply for these grants?
Eligible applicants must be startups or founders based in Detroit, established within the last 10 years, with scalable business models offering products or services that can improve city services or quality of life for Detroit residents. Scale grant applicants need to have secured at least $100,000 in external investment and raised a minimum of $250,000 in the past 18 months.
What can the grant funds be used for?
Grant recipients may use the funds for various growth activities, including product development, hiring, market testing, and customer acquisition. Awardees are also required to commit to becoming certified Detroit-based businesses and share progress updates with city officials and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC).
How can interested startups apply for the grants?
Applications are open and will close on August 25, 2025. Interested startups can apply online through the city’s official website.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Detroit Startup Fund |
| Total Funding | $700,000 |
| Number of Grants | 26 |
| Seed Grants | 20 grants of $15,000 each |
| Scale Grants | 6 grants of up to $50,000 each |
| Application Deadline | August 25, 2025 |
| Eligibility Criteria | Startups or founders based in Detroit, established within the last 10 years, with scalable business models offering products or services that can improve city services or quality of life for Detroit residents. Scale grant applicants need to have secured at least $100,000 in external investment and raised a minimum of $250,000 in the past 18 months. |
| Use of Funds | Product development, hiring, market testing, customer acquisition, and other growth activities. Awardees are also required to commit to becoming certified Detroit-based businesses and share progress updates with city officials and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation (DEGC). |
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