Applications Open on October 23rd for 2027 Eastern Michigan Small Business Cohort
October 20, 2026
St. Clair County, Michigan – October 20, 2026
The Eastern Michigan Small Business Network will begin accepting applications on October 23, 2026, from eligible small businesses located in Genesee, Shiawassee, Lapeer, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac, and St. Clair Counties to participate in a newly formed 2027 Small Business Cohort Program.
The cohort program will accommodate up to 50 existing small businesses and is designed to help participating companies strengthen operations, accelerate growth, and build long-term sustainability. Each selected business will receive personalized coaching, mentoring, and up to $3,500 in support services to help address critical business needs and opportunities.
Applications will be accepted through November 23, 2026. Businesses selected for the program will be announced in mid-December 2026, with the inaugural cohort scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027.
As part of a recent $880,000 Small Business Support Hubs (SBSH) Program grant award from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the new Small Business Cohort aims to provide resources that support the expansion, operation, and scaling of small businesses throughout Michigan's Region 6.
The cohort is open to existing small businesses with revenue-generating operations located within the seven-county region. Through a structured program of technical assistance, business advising, and access to professional services, participants will receive tools and resources to help them achieve their growth objectives.
To apply, interested small businesses can complete the following steps:
- Log on to the Eastern Michigan Small Business Network website at https://www.easternmichigansmallbusinessnetwork.com/
- Click the Client Intake Form button
- Complete all questions (required)
- For the question “Are you interested in joining the 2027 Cohort Program?” select “Yes, I’d like to apply”
- Click the Complete button
- The 2027 Cohort application will be emailed to you within one business day
The Port Huron SmartZone and its affiliate, The Propeller business incubator, serve as the Small Business Support Hub for Region 6. All programming, initiatives, and funding opportunities generated through the Hub are delivered under the Eastern Michigan Small Business Network, a partnership of organizations committed to serving the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Michigan's central eastern region. The Network's primary goal is to accelerate the entrepreneurial pathway to success.
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About the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County
The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of St. Clair County is a private non-profit organization that creates economic prosperity by growing companies and cultivating vibrant communities. The EDA is a full-service economic development agency working in the areas of business retention and expansion, community development, small business development, talent attraction and regional marketing. The EDA’s mission to enhance the prosperity and growth of our region’s economy is made possible by the generous support of EDA private & public sector investor members passionate about supporting community and economic development. To learn more about the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County visit: www.edascc.com.
