The Detroit Startup Fund provides grants to early- and growth-stage startups building innovative, high-impact businesses in Detroit.
Donor Name: City of Detroit
State: Michigan
City: Detroit
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 08/25/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
For the purpose of this fund, a startup is defined as a legally incorporated, for-profit business that offers or is developing a technology-based or innovation-driven product, process, or service—such as software, hardware, biotech, advanced manufacturing, or other engineered innovation. Eligible startups must demonstrate a scalable business model (i.e., one that can grow revenue without proportional increases in cost), and have either raised, be actively raising, or intend to raise private investment through instruments like equity, convertible debt, or SAFE notes. Companies must also show evidence of early execution—such as a developed product, customer validation, pilot activity, or key team-building milestones. Startups more than 10 years old may be considered only if they can show recent early-stage activity, a new product launch, strategic pivot, or active participation in a Detroit-based accelerator. Businesses still at the concept stage, without a minimum viable product or documented progress toward execution, will not be considered eligible.
Funding Information
- $15,000 seed grants available for awardees
- $50,000 scale grants available for awardees who’ve raised at least $100,000 in outside investment within the last 18 months and are actively raising at least $250,000 in private capital.
Eligibility Criteria
- You or your startup must be based in Detroit
- Your business should be able to grow and offer something that helps the city or makes life better for Detroiters
- You agree to officially register as a Detroit-based business
- You’re willing to share updates and results with the City of Detroit and DEGC.
For more information, visit City of Detroit.
