How much funding does TechTown Startup Fund provide?

TechTown Startup Fund provides Up to $10,000 in funding.

When is the deadline for TechTown Startup Fund?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Who is eligible for TechTown Startup Fund?

Geography: Detroit-based companies.

How often is TechTown Startup Fund offered?

TechTown Startup Fund runs on an annual cycle.

TechTown Startup Fund

Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit

Foundation Annual Grants for Startups Grants for Black-Owned Businesses Grants for Minority-Owned Businesses

Funding Amount

Up to $10,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

Foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle: Annual
Tracked since: April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Can we apply?

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

Geography

Detroit-based companies
Focus Areas: Technology-based startups founded by Black entrepreneurs

Other requirements

Black tech founders
Companies at early stages between idea validation and revenue generation

Overview

Grant program designed to support Black tech founders at the earliest stages of business development, addressing the funding gap between idea validation and revenue generation.

Geographic Scope: Detroit-based Black tech founders

Eligibility:

Black tech founders
Detroit-based companies
Companies at early stages between idea validation and revenue generation

Focus Areas: Technology-based startups founded by Black entrepreneurs

Problem Addressed:

Only 1% of venture capital is invested in Black-owned companies
Average White family net worth is 10 times that of average Black family
Disproportionate barriers to accessing friends and family funding
Federal Reserve data shows 80% of White business owners receive at least partial bank funding vs. 66% of BIPOC business owners
BIPOC firms receive ~$30,000 less funding than comparable White-owned businesses
BIPOC firms face ~1.4% higher interest rates

Background: Launched in April 2021 by TechTown Detroit with community donations. Initial fundraising exceeded the $20,000 goal with 138 donors contributing amounts ranging from $5 to $5,000. Inaugural grants of $10,000 each were awarded to Bar Drop LLC and Raxplay in September 2021.

Recent Grant Recipients:

Bar Drop LLC (2021) - Cocktail and alcohol delivery service
Raxplay (2021) - Immersive music metaverse company

Donation/Application URL: www.techtowndetroit.org/techfund

How to Apply

Application Process

Applications became available in August 2021. Simplified, virtual application process designed to minimize barriers for recipients.

Submission: Online through TechTown's application portal

Contact for Details: info@techtowndetroit.org or (313) 879-5250

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What Wayne State University Research and Technology Park in the City of Detroit actually gave

Source: IRS Form 990, 2024

Grants in 2024: 33
Total given: $1.3M
Median grant: $8,000
Range: $5,050–$150K

By dollars: Michigan 99%, North Carolina <1%, Delaware <1%. Top recipient cities: Detroit, MI; Highland Park, MI; Southgate, MI.
0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
81% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.

Example grants

A Girl Like ME Inc · Detroit, MI

Non-profit support grant

$150K
Class Act Detroit · Detroit, MI

Non-profit support grant

$150K
Detroit Horse Power · Detroit, MI

Non-profit support grant

$150K
Freedom House · Detroit, MI

Non-profit support grant

$150K
Jefferson Chalmers Farmers Market · Detroit, MI

Non-profit support grant

$150K