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

Central Michigan University

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

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

  • Application deadline for first cohort: March 31, 2023

    • 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

    1. Visit Application Portal: www.cmurc.com/liftme
    2. 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 actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990-PF, 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.

    Example grants

    • Middle Michigan Development Corporation · Mt Pleasant, MI

      Cslfrf

      $101K

    • Saginaw Valley State University · Saginaw, MI

      Cslfrf

      $90K

    • Mid-Michigan College · Harrison, MI

      Cslfrf

      $89K

    • Central Michigan University · Mt Pleasant, MI

      Baf

      $32K

    • Hierographx · Saginaw, MI

      Baf

      $31K

    IRS Form 990-PF, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    black-owned-businessesstartupssmall-businesses

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