The Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced the winners of eight Inclusive Entrepreneurship Support Grants.
The program breaks down barriers for disadvantaged small businesses in communities of color with a focus on sustainability, affordable housing, health science and clean energy.
Out of more than 600 applicants, two West Michigan businesses were among the eight awardees.
The Mackinac Technology Company in Kentwood received one million dollars to continue developing useful products for residential, commercial and government buildings.
One innovation is an ultra-lightweight, clear window cover that reduces electricity in homes. The grant will be used to take the idea out of the laboratory and into manufacturing.
SBE Medical is a Grand Rapids-based, veteran-owned medical device design and manufacturing company that recently collaborated with partners developing a safer alternative to traditional internal catheters.
It will use its $800-thousand award to enhance production, make infrastructure improvements and support engineering, marketing, and administration.
The other winning companies are based in Detroit, Romulus, Ann Arbor and Troy.
