There is no such thing as FREE money, but here are some places you can go to investigate tax credits and abatements, pre-seed funds, low-interest loans, and investors. Before applying for any program, you will need a detailed plan, a business model, a budget, etc. Please use the "Business Resources" available to help you prepare.

Banks and Credit Unions both have commercial lenders waiting to help. Some can facilitate SBA (Small Business Association) loan applications as well. Our business directory will help you find the financial institution you need.

The City of Greenville will help you make the most of available tax credits and tax abatements.

Facade Improvement Plan - In partnership with local financial institutions, the DDA & Chamber of Commerce have developed a program to help you finance the improvement of your downtown building's exterior.

Historic District tax credits are available to property owners who rehabilitate their historic buildings in Greenville's downtown. Contact our Assistant City Manager, Cameron VanWyngarden for more information.

The Michigan Advantage connects you with capital and training/education resources for starting or growing your business. It also offers a very useful graph with "clickable" links to the tools that apply to your business' stage.

Michigan SmartZones help with the due diligence required of applicants seeking Michigan Pre Seed funds (see the "finance" link above). They submit applications which meet criteria for potential pre-seed investment.

The Michigan Pre-Seed Capital Fund supports start-up companies as they near commercial viability by providing access to early-stage capital investment or micro loans to accelerate company development. Supported by Michigan SmartZones, these funds can extend the personal investment of entrepreneurs during the critical stage when they are developing their businesses to the point of readiness for outside investment. The fund targets companies throughout the state that are creating the newest technologies in the following competitive areas:

Momentum is a venture firm keeping creative capital in Michigan by turning good start-up ideas into business reality.

Momentum provides up to $20,000 for living expenses and development costs for 12 weeks.
Office space to incubate your idea is provided.
Your mentor comes from a pool of entrepreneurs experienced in getting start ups off the ground.
They help you develop a business strategy and investor pitch, so you have what you need in hand when you’re ready for round two funding.
You connect to local business leaders, lawyers and investors at networking events and a weekly dinner.
Demo Day is when your pitch hits the road in a room full of potential investors. It’s not just the culmination of a 12 week boot camp, but possibly deployment of your business plan.

Click on the link above to learn more and apply for the program online.