In Midland, Michigan, a new initiative is fueling small business innovation with the 2026 Community Crowdfund — a collaborative project between Midland Young Professionals and the Midland Area Community Foundation. Applications for the program are open through Feb. 26 and aim to support inventive local ventures that have a positive community impact.
Entrepreneurs submit proposals detailing business concepts and how they will benefit the area. One business will launch a crowdfunding campaign with a $25,000 target; if successful, it will be matched with an additional $35,000 in funding, bringing total support to $60,000. Two other enterprises will receive smaller grants to help kickstart their operations.
Since its launch, the initiative has raised more than $270,000 and supported businesses including Pizza Baker and Aviator Cookie, helping them expand and create jobs. The crowdfund model blends community engagement with entrepreneurial risk-taking, giving residents more say in which local ideas receive investment.
Organizers say the program not only provides critical capital but also strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting innovators with mentors, customers, and community advocates. Plans are underway to make the campaign an annual tradition to continually foster grassroots business growth.