Oakland THRIVE has been named Oakland County's lead small-business support partner under a Michigan initiative backed by approximately $11.3 million in statewide funding.
The organization announced Oct. 30 that it had received the designation through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) Small Business Support Hubs 2.0 program. The designation places Oakland THRIVE in a regional partnership with TechTown Detroit, which leads the Southeast Michigan effort, and Velocity, which serves Macomb County.
For Troy entrepreneurs and small-business owners, the partnership is intended to improve connections to business development assistance, technical expertise, education and networking tailored to local needs.
How the program works
The Small Business Support Hubs 2.0 initiative uses a hub-and-spoke model. TechTown Detroit coordinates the broader regional effort. Oakland THRIVE serves as the primary support organization for Oakland County, while Velocity supports businesses in Macomb County.
The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved nearly $11.3 million in state funding for the program on Feb. 24, 2026, according to an MEDC announcement.
The MEDC then launched applications in April and selected 11 organizations on July 28 to serve Michigan's 10 prosperity regions and one statewide organization.
TechTown Detroit received $2,595,750 to lead the Region 10 effort in Southeast Michigan. That funding is part of the statewide initiative and is not a separate award to Oakland THRIVE.
Grants across the 11 selected organizations range from $615,000 to more than $2.5 million.
An estimated $8 million of the statewide funding is allocated to hub operations, programming, services and regional coordination. Another $3.3 million is intended for limited direct business assistance awards to eligible small businesses.
What's available
According to the MEDC's Small Business Support Hubs page, services provided through the program may include one-on-one coaching, consultations, workshops, seminars, cohort-based learning, incubation and accelerator activities, and networking and mentorship opportunities.
The initiative is designed to connect businesses with support organizations that can provide direct assistance, remote services or referrals to specialized resources.
Oakland THRIVE said specific services and opportunities available through its participation will be shared as regional programming develops.
The program builds on the original Small Business Support Hubs initiative launched in 2023, which was funded through a one-time American Rescue Plan Act appropriation to support small businesses affected by COVID-19.
The 2.0 version uses state-appropriated, non-federal funds.
Oakland THRIVE's track record
Oakland THRIVE reported that in 2025, it supported more than 4,200 businesses, delivered over 8,850 coaching and consulting sessions, and hosted 102 workshops and training opportunities across Oakland County.
The organization provides individualized consulting, business education and technical assistance, along with connections to other resources that can help businesses address challenges and pursue growth opportunities.
Amy Rencher, senior vice president of small business at the MEDC, said in the July 28 announcement that the program drew considerable interest, with 115 applications received and 33 complete, eligible applications reviewed by a 24-member evaluation committee.
Rencher said the selected organizations will help entrepreneurs gain access to capital, technical assistance, professional connections and other resources intended to support business growth.
Timeline and next steps
The initiative's 11 selected hubs received initial one-year grant terms, with the option for annual extensions of up to two additional years, subject to performance, available funding and MSF approval.
Oakland THRIVE said it will announce additional details about regional services and opportunities as programming develops.
Troy and other Oakland County business owners seeking assistance can contact Oakland THRIVE at [email protected].
