Paths to Growth: Scaling for High-Growth in Michigan

Building a growth-stage company in Northern Michigan takes more than a great product — it requires access to the right networks, capital pathways, and statewide resources designed to help startups scale.

This hands-on session will guide founders through Michigan’s growth-stage ecosystem, from venture capital and grant funding to commercialization, advanced manufacturing, and talent programs.

In this session, participants will learn how to:

• Navigate Michigan’s high-growth startup ecosystem, including key programs, funds, and support networks
• Identify pathways to scale through funding, commercialization, and talent resources
• Connect with statewide accelerators, venture funds, and ecosystem partners
• Define growth milestones through hands-on exercises and practical tools to accelerate progress

Scale-Up! Sessions is a monthly series for startup and growth companies covering key topics like branding, customer discovery, fundraising, marketing, and more, hosted by the MSU Research Foundation. Sessions are a mix of formats, from hands-on workshops and presentations to casual networking events. Whether you're refining your pitch deck, learning about SBIR/STTR grants, or exploring sales strategies, these sessions offer practical tools and insights to help your business scale.

PRESENTERS:

Bradley Matson and Tom Stewart (MSU Research Foundation)

ORGANIZER:

The MSU Research Foundation supports the Michigan State University ecosystem with resources that increase the impact of research and innovation. The Foundation achieves its mission through grant programs that contribute over $15 million annually to the University, entrepreneurial programming and early-stage investments that accelerate technology transfer and startup growth throughout Michigan, and environments where startup businesses and collaborators can thrive. The Foundation's work is made possible through its stewardship of a flexible and sustainable endowment, nourished by over 50 years of licensing revenues and investment returns.