DETROIT – Michigan Founders Fund and global accelerator network gener8tor have officially opened applications for the inaugural Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator cohort. This free, seven-week, no-equity program provides underrepresented early-stage founders in Southeast Michigan with concierge coaching and up to $15,000 in non-dilutive grant funding. MFFPA includes a built-in mentor and investor network from both Michigan Founders Fund and gener8tor’s national network.
The program is designed to set a path for startups from any industry based in Detroit and Southeast Michigan to participate in future equity-based accelerator programs and investment opportunities. Focused on supporting underrepresented founders, MFFPA aims to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through tailored coaching, mentorship, and investor connections. Initial cohort applications are open until January 12, 2025.
“We are building opportunities for founders from all backgrounds to succeed in advancing to the next stage of their startup in Michigan,” said Rishi Moudgil, Executive Director of the Michigan Founders Fund. “This partnership with gener8tor includes providing deliberate support and capital that will create more opportunities for underrepresented founders to succeed.”
Michigan Founders Fund is also pleased to announce the hiring of Brittni Abiolu as its Program Manager for MFFPA. As a Metro Detroit resident, Abiolu brings a strong passion for and familiarity with the entrepreneurial community. Abiolu has experience supporting growing businesses through her own entrepreneur support organization and startup background prior to leading MFFPA.
“After years of advising entrepreneurs on business development and working to scale my own businesses, I decided to apply what I’ve learned and pay it forward by helping other entrepreneurs in and around Detroit,” said Abiolu. “I’m excited that I’ve been selected to lead this program and help founders in Detroit scale their startups, while supporting the growth of the city’s economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Abiolu will lead MFFPA’s recruiting efforts seeking startups, mentors and investors interested in participating or supporting the founders selected for the pre-accelerator. Once the program begins, Abiolu will support founders through one-on-one coaching sessions while guiding them through weekly group sessions focused on key aspects of growing a startup. Founders will also engage with numerous mentors and investors throughout the program. The pre-accelerator will be based in-person at Newlab @ Michigan Central in Detroit with flexibility for virtual sessions.
Early-stage founders and entrepreneurs interested in interviewing for the Winter 2025 cohort are encouraged to apply. Applications for MFFPA will remain open until Jan 12, 2025.
Interested participants can visit https://www.gener8tor.com/mffpa to apply or contact Abiolu at brittni@michiganfoundersfund.org for further questions.
