Early-stage startups often struggle to find capital for one of the most critical steps in their journey—preparing a fundable proposal. Whether you’re aiming for SBIR/STTR or another early-stage opportunity, strong proposals require expert input. That’s why Ann Arbor SPARK offers up to $14,000 to Michigan-based startups for proposal preparation services.
TL;DR
Michigan startups can apply for up to $14,000 from Ann Arbor SPARK to fund proposal development work. Companies must be based in Michigan and use approved consultants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Early-stage founders often lack the budget for strategic proposal services
Startups need high-quality proposals to access competitive funding like SBIR/STTR or state innovation grants. But writing those proposals—especially the first time around—takes specialized expertise that many teams don’t have in-house. Worse, most teams lack the capital to hire the help they need.
That’s the gap Ann Arbor SPARK was built to fill.
Ann Arbor SPARK provides funding for expert proposal development services
Through its entrepreneurial services team, Ann Arbor SPARK offers up to $14,000 in support to Michigan-based startups that need assistance preparing high-quality grant proposals. This includes:
- Matching applicants with vetted, Michigan-based proposal consultants
- The option to request an external consultant of your choice
- Guidance on refining your business idea and aligning it with funding priorities
The funding is designed specifically to support proposal development, an often overlooked and underfunded but essential part of the grant-seeking process. The program is rolling, with quarterly internal review cycles.
One Ann Arbor medtech startup leveraged SPARK’s $14K proposal prep funding to collaborate with a grant consultant for their first NIH SBIR application. The result? A meticulously crafted proposal that secured $400K in Phase I funding, accelerating their prototype development and regulatory pathway
Work with vetted consultants without stretching your startup’s budget
The proposal development process is more than a writing task. It’s a strategic investment in your business model, commercialization plan, and R&D roadmap. With SPARK’s support, founders can work with experts who understand funder expectations, improving both competitiveness and submission readiness.
This program is especially valuable for first-time applicants or startups without a dedicated grant writing team.
Underdeveloped proposals waste time, delay growth, and miss funding opportunities
Many startups don’t submit proposals because they’re unsure what’s required. Others submit proposals that don’t meet agency standards, leading to rejections and wasted resources. Without guidance and funding for professional services, promising ideas can stall before they get started.
Ann Arbor SPARK addresses this directly by providing both funding and structure to support early-stage proposal development.
Apply for up to $14,000 in funding to support strategic proposal prep
Eligible companies must:
- Be based in Michigan
- Be preparing a proposal for public or private funding
- Select a consultant from SPARK’s vetted list, or request approval for an external provider
The program is reviewed internally by SPARK staff and operates on a rolling basis, with periodic review cycles to determine funding awards. SPARK also provides ongoing entrepreneurial support, office space options, and connections to the broader Michigan innovation network.
Ready to fund your next proposal with expert support?
Visit Ann Arbor SPARK’s funding services page or call 734-372-4070 to explore your eligibility and next steps. If you’re mapping out a proposal or need help identifying a Michigan-based consultant, schedule a consult call with our team for support.
EB Howard helps founders access proposal prep funding in every corner of the country
We’ve supported startups nationwide in securing proposal prep funding—and transforming those proposals into awards. Ann Arbor SPARK’s initiative is a standout resource for Michigan companies that want to increase their chances of winning critical early-stage funding.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
We assist our clients in locating, applying for, and evaluating the outcomes of non-dilutive grant funding. We believe non-dilutive funding is a crucial tool for mitigating investment risks, and we are dedicated to guiding our clients through the entire process—from identifying the most suitable opportunities to submitting and managing grant applications.