About
Michigan Business Incubator Association is a membership-based organization serving as the state's primary network for business incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces, maker spaces, and entrepreneurial support organizations. Operating from Detroit, MBIA functions as a clearinghouse for information and best practices, helping existing incubators, their client companies, and program graduates succeed across Michigan. The organization's mission centers on supporting and promoting business incubation activities and innovation-focused economic development throughout the state. MBIA provides education, networking, and advocacy services to entrepreneurial support professionals seeking to operate successful programs that enable client company success. The organization maintains tiered membership options starting at $100 annually for associate members including community members, independent consultants, governmental representatives, university representatives, and students. Full institutional membership is available for incubators, accelerators, co-working programs, and maker spaces. MBIA serves as a resource hub, curating links to funding opportunities including the Small Business Innovation Research grant program and the Michigan Emerging Technologies Fund, while also connecting members to broader networks like the International Business Innovation Association and Global Accelerator Network. The organization recognizes the economic impact of entrepreneurial support organizations in transforming Michigan's economy and works to unite incubators, accelerators, co-working programs, maker spaces, entrepreneurs, economic developers, consultants, service providers, and other stakeholders into a dynamic network. Notable initiatives include coverage of programs like ACRE AgTech Accelerator, which operates within Michigan's innovation ecosystem. MBIA also maintains connections to inventor networks across the state including the Grand Rapids Inventors Network, Inventors Association of Metro Detroit, Jackson Inventors Network, and Muskegon Inventors Network, facilitating knowledge sharing and deal flow among venture and angel groups.