Ann Arbor SPARK Seeks Partners to Support Southeast Michigan Small Businesses

Ann Arbor SPARK is seeking qualified partners for two contract opportunities focused on helping small business owners and entrepreneurs across southeast Michigan. Services will support businesses in Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Hillsdale and Monroe counties.

This work is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and preference will be given to Michigan-based applicants.

Business Navigation Services

This project will serve as a front door for entrepreneurs who may not know where to begin or which resources are right for them. Using a "no wrong door" approach, the selected partner will help business owners quickly connect with the appropriate services, whether through SPARK or partner organizations across the region.

Services will include:

• Approximately 40 hours per month of flexible, high-touch support, adjusting as needed to meet seasonal demand.
• Management of the lead pipeline, including website inquiries, in-person and CRM referrals, and proactive follow-up.
• Three workshops per month - one in person and two virtual - with topics developed collaboratively.
• Support at up to three events.
• One-on-one training and expertise using the SizeUp SPARK platform.

Business Formation & Growth Support

This project will provide hands-on assistance to entrepreneurs throughout the business journey, from developing an initial business plan to growing and scaling an established company.

Services will support three stages of business development:

Formation: Business planning, registration and licensing, financial systems setup, foundational business education, market research and marketing strategy.

Early-stage growth and stabilization: Marketing plan implementation, ongoing education, grant research and applications, and connections to funding, networking and mentoring resources.

Expansion and scaling: Access to capital, hiring and HR guidance, market expansion, operational efficiency and technology adoption.

The selected partner must be equipped to effectively serve entrepreneurs with limited English proficiency, people living with disabilities, and refugee and immigrant communities.

Measuring Impact

SPARK will track participation and business progress across all three stages of development. Outcomes may include businesses launched, advising delivered, revenue and jobs generated, access to capital, and business survival rates.

The selected partner will be responsible for maintaining and reporting accurate, auditable outcome data throughout the contract period.

How to Apply

Deadline: 5 p.m. on October 9, 2026
Project term: Contract award through December 31, 2027
Submit proposals and questions to: [email protected]

Proposals should be no more than four pages, using a readable font size and standard margins, and should include:

• An overview of your organization and relevant experience providing these types of services.
• A high-level project budget.
• The opportunity or opportunities for which you are applying: Business Navigation Services, Business Formation & Growth Support, or both.