Applications Now Open For Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator Program, Underrepresented Founders Eligible For $15K in Grants
Detroit-based Program Manager Brittni Abiolu hired to lead inaugural cohort
Detroit, MI. - Michigan Founders Fund and global accelerator network gener8tor have officially opened applications for the inaugural Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator (MFFPA) 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.
About Michigan Founders Fund
Michigan Founders Fund is the leading statewide network for high-growth founders and investors. Focused on building a thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem through a founder-first culture, members represent a wide range of demographics and regions across the state. More than 150 members have collectively raised over $350 million of investment capital through 15 different industry verticals, while also committed to lifting local communities.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Michigan Founders Fund is composed of founder and investor members who commit 1% equity or carry to a philanthropic fund supporting Michigan’s social sector through local grant-making.
About gener8tor
gener8tor is a global venture capital firm and accelerator network that supports startups, workers, employers, artists and musicians across race, place and gender. gener8tor partners with companies, governments, universities and nonprofits to operate programs and conferences in more than 41 communities across 22 states and two countries. Fast Company named gener8tor one of the Best Workplaces for Innovators in 2021 and 2022. The International Trade Council recognized gener8tor as the Global Venture Capital Firm of the Year in 2022.
gener8tor runs the gBETA program as a non-equity accelerator that facilitates the growth of early-stage companies through a network-driven program. Since launching in 2015, gBETA accelerator alumni have raised more than $776M in capital and created more than 4,700 jobs across the U.S. and internationally.