Administered by the LTU Centrepolis Accelerator, Design for Michigan Manufacturing Program
(DFMM) is an economic development program designed to develop and launch more products
made in Michigan. DFMM provides critical design for manufacturability services to ensure products
and technologies are developed to be durable, reliable and at the right price points to ensure
sustainable businesses. This is accomplished by utilizing 30+ Manufacturing Experts in Residence
(MEiRs), professionals with 20+ years of experience in design, engineering, materials, prototyping,
testing, machine design, and production processes. DFMM clients are also connected to
promising hardware companies to Michigan manufacturers for both supplier and customer
relationships.

Key Objective:
Provide funding to Eligible Companies developing and launching hardware products in Michigan;
make equity free, zero interest investments to assist them in getting products to market.

Eligible Companies:
- In the early stages of commercialization in Advanced automotive, manufacturing, materials,
information, and agricultural processing technology (including Industry 4.0 technology) as
defined in Section 88a(a) of the Act, MCL125.2088a (a).
- Company is a for-profit LLC, PBA, C corporation, or S corporation and any other for- profit
corporation that has been in business with key founders and a majority (at least 51%) of its
employees located in Michigan.
- Start-up and established small to medium sized businesses with 500 or less employees in
Michigan
- Company is selling a finished, tangible physical product or good including advanced materials
and manufacturing technology.
- Company is a business-to-consumer, business-to-business or business-to-government entity
and is on a strong growth trajectory.
- Company’s traction and finances in most cases is not sufficient to qualify for a traditional bank
loan.
- Preference to given to companies who wish to manufacture their product in Michigan.
- Preference is to be given to companies that have been vetted by the ecosystem partners
(e.g. SmartZones, SBDC, industry partners, financial institutions and investment funds
including angel groups and venture funds).
- Preference given to companies that have a purchase order or documented market traction as
verification for the services and that this service would make a significant impact to working
capital and enhance the company’s ability to scale.