Partner Update | Velocity Selected as Regional Grantee, Securing Funding to Drive Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Macomb County, MI

NAMC is proud to announce that our partner, Velocity, has been selected as a regional grantee of the Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) program – securing funding to drive innovation in Macomb County. Velocity is the Michigan SmartZone for Defense and a NAMC strategic partner.

Read Velocity's announcement below.

In a significant stride towards fostering innovation and supporting small businesses, Velocity, the Macomb County SmartZone, has been chosen as one of the regional grantees to receive funding from the state’s Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) program. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announced the selection of 27 organizations across the state, with Velocity being recognized as a pivotal entrepreneurial hub.

“I’m thrilled to see Velocity receive this recognition and funding from the State of Michigan,” said Macomb County Executive, Mark Hackel. “Velocity plays an important role in our community supporting and educating entrepreneurs and small businesses. It is essential that Macomb County continues to have this space to nurture and grow these individuals and entities so we can ensure a bright and prosperous economic future - one where our County remains an epicenter for innovation and opportunity.”

The SBSH program, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, aims to provide comprehensive resources and support to small businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. The highly competitive selection process saw Velocity securing a grant, demonstrating its commitment to driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship within Macomb County.

“We are excited that Velocity has been selected to serve as one of Michigan’s entrepreneurial hubs through Michigan’s Small Business Support Hubs program,” expressed Mayor Michael Taylor of Sterling Heights. “This grant funding is proof of the hard work and dedication Velocity staff and stakeholders have put forth to create programming that cultivates innovation and supports small businesses in our community.”

The SBSH program offers a range of resources, including one-on-one coaching, cohort-based learning, accelerators, mentor matchmaking, pitch competitions, networking events, access to capital, partner referrals, and statewide resource navigation.

As the state’s entrepreneurial hubs embarks on this exciting journey, Velocity extends heartfelt gratitude to its community partners, stakeholders, and supporters who have played an instrumental role in making this achievement possible. “This acknowledgment is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our community partners and the dedication of Velocity’s team,” said April Boyle, Senior Advisor for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Velocity. “We are poised to leverage this opportunity to its fullest, continuing to provide invaluable support to our local entrepreneurs.”

We look forward to the transformative impact this funding will have on Macomb County’s entrepreneurial landscape!