Entrepreneurial Programs
Fund Your Acceleration
This quarterly cohort program helps high-tech and high-growth companies access non-dilutive funding to cover essential services and reach their next milestone. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply, complete the regional intake form linked below and select “Fund Your Acceleration” and “SmartZone Programs” from the program list.
Community Mentor in Residence
This program connects startups with industry experts to drive business growth, validate product-market fit, and fast-track product or service development. To receive guidance, complete the regional intake form and select both “MSU Research Foundation” and “SmartZone Programs” under the program list. Let’s take your startup to the next level!
Capital Area Startup Studio
This innovative 12-month program supports five high-potential entrepreneurs in overcoming barriers to developing new products using cutting-edge tech tools. Participants will receive mentorship, resources, and hands-on guidance in low-code and no-code development to create a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), driving both innovation and inclusive growth in the Lansing region.
Conquer Accelerator
Gain the resources, mentorship, and network you need to rapidly scale your startup and thrive in a competitive marketplace. This program offers a tailored curriculum, personalized coaching, and access to capital to help you accelerate growth and achieve your business goals.
Youth Programs
Apple Developer Youth Coding Academy
In partnership with Apple’s Community Education Initiative, 4-H Clovers CODE helps youth develop life skills through hands-on experiences in coding, photography, video, drawing, and music. Supported by Apple’s technology, scholarships, and professional development, this program offers camps, clubs, and school partnerships to inspire creativity and innovation.
Teen in Entrepreneurship
This inclusive program connects mid-Michigan teens with mentors to foster entrepreneurial growth and innovation. Over 10 weeks, participants develop a Business Model Canvas, create financial documents, and practice pitching their ideas. Each team is paired with diverse mentors who guide them through prototyping their product or service, building valuable skills for future success.
Other Programs
Business Made Simple
Business Made Simple is a new monthly series designed to help business owners simplify operations, enhance skills, and stay ahead in today’s digital landscape. Each session offers easy-to-understand tips, tools, and strategies to make managing your business simpler and more effective.
YouTube for Startup – Tech Show
Expert Connexions is a weekly show connecting startup founders with industry experts to drive business growth, innovation, and networking. Hosted by Julie Holton, the show covers diverse topics like AI, finance, marketing, and more, featuring over 100 experts since its 2020 launch. Watch online or on TV and subscribe to stay inspired!
Startup Grind Lansing Event Series
Startup Grind Lansing is a hub for Michigan’s entrepreneurial community, connecting local startups with the world’s largest network of founders and innovators. We host Fireside Chats, Startup (Coffee) Grind events with mConnexions, and Ask Me Anything Expert Panels on topics like marketing, investment, and AI. Join us to network, learn, and grow your business.
99 Problem but a Pitch Ain’t One
A weekly pitch competition, open to everyone in the world, and free to everyone in the world. Each presenter has 99 seconds to pitch whatever they want to a crowd who will vote. The top vote getter will receive $99.
CADE Internship
Conquer Accelerator Diversity in Entrepreneurship (CADE) is the MSU Research Foundation’s first internship program designed to increase diversity within the entrepreneurial community by hiring young professionals from various ethnicities and backgrounds to collaborate with selected teams.
STEAM Ahead Internship
Michigan colleges produce exceptional talent, perfect for the state’s large number of innovative, growing companies. STEAM Ahead provides financial support to Michigan companies who hire interns in STEAM-focused internships by providing a one-to-one match towards intern wages for up to $4,000 for full-time interns and up to $2,000 for part-time interns.
