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Michigan Black Business Alliance seeks $2M to expand entrepreneur supports and a center for innovation
Summary
The Michigan Black Business Alliance requested $2,000,000 to build a Center for New Innovation and expand programs such as Capital Connect and BizWhiz statewide; presenters said the Alliance has helped members access millions in funding and would use the appropriation for infrastructure and program expansion.
Rep. Grama presented a $2,000,000 request for the Michigan Black Business Alliance to expand statewide programming and open a Center for New Innovation that would include a commercial kitchen, workforce supports, tech assistance and logistics space.
A presenter identified as Charity said the Alliance has expanded statewide since its founding about five years ago and that the funding would underwrite infrastructure and deepen program cohorts (Capital Connect is a 12-week in-person cohort shared with lenders). The presenter said prior investments helped members access direct funding (testimony cited figures of $12—5—15,000,000 and $15,000,000 at different points) and projected broader economic impact through job creation and business growth.
Committee members asked about eligibility and how funds would be allocated between infrastructure and program work; presenters said the center component would be infrastructure and a separate program budget would deepen cohorts and expand geographic reach.
