How much funding does Lift ME - All-Black Business Accelerator (Saginaw County) provide?

The listing does not state a funding amount. Check the funder's announcement for specifics.

When is the deadline for Lift ME - All-Black Business Accelerator (Saginaw County)?

The funder has not published a deadline for this grant.

Lift ME - All-Black Business Accelerator (Saginaw County)

Q: How often is Lift ME - All-Black Business Accelerator (Saginaw County) offered?

Lift ME - All-Black Business Accelerator (Saginaw County) runs on a quarterly cycle.

Central Michigan University Research Corporation

Foundation Annual Grants for Black-Owned Businesses Grants for Startups Small Business Grants

Funding Amount

Not stated

Deadline

Deadline not published

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Quarterly
Tracked since: April 2026

From the program guidelines: “Subsequent cohort deadlines: Annual (specific dates announced quarterly)”

Can we apply?

Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.

Geography

In Saginaw County

Other requirements

Must identify as Black
Must not be a franchise or affiliated with a national chain
Must be a for-profit pre-established business owner
Program designed for established businesses seeking expansion/acceleration (not startup-stage)

Overview

Lift ME - All-Black Business Accelerator

Program Status: Active; applications opened February 28, 2023

Geographic Scope: Saginaw County, Michigan

Program Purpose: L evel the playing field, I ncrease representation, F oster new networks, and T urn up financials for Black-owned entrepreneurs

Program Duration: 6 months

Eligible Participants:

Must identify as Black
Must have founded or currently conduct business in Saginaw County
Must not be a franchise or affiliated with a national chain
Must be a for-profit pre-established business owner
Program designed for established businesses seeking expansion/acceleration (not startup-stage)

Program Components:

Weekly "Strategize ME" sessions
Bi-monthly one-on-one meetings
Monthly peer-to-peer workshops
Community connection building
Skill development
Access to service providers supporting Black-owned businesses
Mentorship opportunities
Professional networking

Cohort Information:

First cohort members announced May 4 at Saginaw Soup Pitch Competition

Additional Opportunities:

Program seeks mentors and professional service providers
Community members invited to engage with program

Funding Partner:

PNC Foundation

Administering Organization:

Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC)

Related Initiative:

Part of CMURC's "Entrepreneur Like ME" initiative

Contact Information:

Website: www.cmurc.com/liftme
Email: info@cmurc.com
Phone: 989.202.6036

How to Apply

Application Process

Visit Application Portal: www.cmurc.com/liftme
Complete Application including:
- Business background and history
- Current business operations
- Business goals and growth plans
- Proof of Saginaw County operations
- Identification of business owner as Black
- Confirmation of for-profit status and non-franchise structure

Application Deadlines:

First cohort: March 31, 2023
Subsequent cohort deadlines: Annual (specific dates announced quarterly)

Selection Timeline:

Cohort members announced approximately 5 weeks after deadline
Announcement made at Saginaw Soup Pitch Competition event

Support Available:

CMURC staff can answer application questions
Entrepreneur Like ME initiative provides additional context

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What Central Michigan University Research Corporation actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

Grants in 2025: 31
Total given: $797K
Median grant: $20K
Range: $6,660–$101K

By dollars: Michigan >99%, Washington <1%. Top recipient cities: Saginaw, MI; Mt Pleasant, MI; Bay City, MI.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.