Founder Forward
Total Incentive
$20,000
Description
Founder Forward: Michigan's Innovation Fellowship
Bold Founders. Big Visions. Michigan's Future.
This year-long fellowship attracts and accelerates high-growth founders by providing capital, workspace, mentorship, and ecosystem access at Michigan Central—Detroit’s global hub for innovation.
Founder Forward is more than a fellowship—it’s a launchpad to scale your venture, connect with leaders, and leave a legacy in Michigan’s innovation economy.
Why Build in Michigan?
Michigan is where manufacturing, mobility, healthcare, and sustainability converge with bold new technologies. Anchored by global corporations and a rapidly growing startup ecosystem, founders here gain access to talent, capital, and cross-industry opportunities.
"I moved to Detroit to build my startup because this is a global hub of manufacturing and innovation...We are proud to be growing our roots here while also growing our global reach. Founder Forward is a great opportunity for founders who wish to do the same."
-Frank Blackman, CEO of BioMang
What can selected participants expect?
🚀 Immediate Capital to Land and Launch
Every fellow receives a $5,000 or $1,000 grant to either ease the cost of relocation to Michigan or strengthen their business foundation if they are already here. This funding supports essentials like housing, moving expenses, or critical startup infrastructure. It’s designed to remove barriers, giving founders the breathing room to focus on building and scaling.
💻 Workspace at Detroit’s Innovation Hub
Fellows gain full access to Michigan Central and Newlab—a global hub for mobility, technology, and cross-industry collaboration. For twelve months, founders work side by side with innovators, corporations, and investors in one of the nation’s most dynamic entrepreneurial environments. This membership provides not just a desk, but an ecosystem.
🤝 Tailored Mentorship from Leaders Who’ve Built Before
The fellowship provides structured guidance from seasoned operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders. Fellows participate in monthly expert workshops, weekly office hours, and one-on-one advising tailored to their company’s stage and sector. From refining fundraising strategies to building scalable operations, the support is personalized and practical.
💰 Direct Access to Capital Networks
Founder Forward connects fellows with Michigan’s leading venture funds, corporate investors, and mission-driven capital partners. In addition to venture introductions, fellows receive support navigating CDFI-backed microloans and sustainability-focused capital programs—ensuring founders can fundraise for both immediate growth and long-term resilience.
❤️ Give Back While You Scale
Each fellow contributes at least 10 hours to service projects and structured mentorship with students or early-stage entrepreneurs. This creates a ripple effect of leadership, embedding fellows into Michigan’s community fabric while leaving a legacy that outlives the program itself.
📈 Showcased on Statewide and National Stages
Founder Forward positions its fellows as visible leaders in Michigan’s innovation economy. With media amplification, dedicated showcase events, and high-profile speaking opportunities, fellows gain recognition that drives credibility, partnerships, and investment.
Founder Forward is built for venture-backed, high-growth entrepreneurs ready to scale and anchor in Michigan. If you're building something big and looking for a place to grow, consider this your sign to build in Michigan—and build with purpose.
This program is sponsored by Michigan Women Forward with support from the Michigan Growth Office.
Special thanks to grant partners Verdigris Group, Femology, and Michigan Central.
Eligible Places
To be considered, applicants must meet the following baseline requirements:
Seed - Series A venture-capital focused startups actively building or scaling. Fundraising at least $1,000,000-$5,000,000 within 6 months.
Applicant must be part of the core leadership team of the startup, CEO preferred.
Minimum of 5 years of entrepreneurial, sector-specific, or equivalent leadership experience in innovation-focused fields.
Key growth sectors including manufacturing, mobility, healthcare, sustainability, and technology.
Either currently based in Michigan or willing to commit to Michigan residency for at least 12 months starting February 2026. Demonstrates readiness to relocate (if out-of-state) or deepen roots (if in-state) through business expansion and community engagement.
Seeks not only capital, but also ecosystem access, community impact, visibility, and long-term support.
If applying from outside of Michigan, program participants must move to Michigan within 3 hours of Detroit. If applying from within Michigan, program participants do not need to relocate to within 3 hours of Detroit but must commit to being present for required programming.
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FAQ
What is MakeMyMove?
MakeMyMove is the first-ever marketplace connecting movers with relocation programs, provided by communities across the country actively recruiting new residents. We help you find the right place and get there, and we help communities grow through talent attraction.
How much does it cost?
We’re 100% supported by communities. Thanks to their investments, our service is free to folks like you who are thinking about making a move.
How can I increase my chances of being selected?
Engagement matters! These programs can fill up fast, so staying responsive throughout the process can help you secure your spot more quickly. Take the time to connect with your program manager—share what’s drawing you to the community and how you hope to get involved once you arrive. The more they understand your goals, the better they can advocate for you and shape a great experience in return.
Other Details
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How It Works
This community is participating in the MakeMyMove on-platform application process. Apply in a few minutes. You’ll receive a response to your application, and will have access to a team to help along the way.
1. Apply
Fill out our fast application form to share your information and why you’re interested in making a move.
2. Get Pre-Approved
Qualifying applicants will receive an introduction to the local sponsors of the program who will answer your questions, and help you decide if the community is the right fit.
3. Confirm Eligibility
Once you’ve been selected, we’ll confirm your eligibility for the program and facilitate a formal offer from the community.
4. Accept and Make Your Move
Accept your offer to reserve your spot in the program, and let us know when you arrive to receive the incentive.