Oakland THRIVE joins TechTown Detroit and Velocity in a regional partnership to expand business development resources and strengthen Southeast Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Oakland THRIVE has been formally designated by the State of Michigan as Oakland County’s lead small business support organization through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) Small Business Support Hubs 2.0 initiative.
The designation positions Oakland THRIVE as a key partner in a regional collaborative led by TechTown Detroit, alongside Velocity in Macomb County, to deliver coordinated entrepreneurial and business development services across metropolitan Detroit.
As Oakland County’s designated hub, Oakland THRIVE will help connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources, expertise, and relationships they need to launch, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
The Small Business Support Hubs 2.0 initiative represents an approximately $11.3 million statewide investment in strengthening Michigan’s small business ecosystem.
Announced in July 2026, the initiative selected 11 organizations to support entrepreneurs across Michigan’s 10 prosperity regions and through one statewide organization. TechTown Detroit was awarded approximately $2.6 million to lead the regional effort in Southeast Michigan.
Building on the original Small Business Support Hubs program launched in 2023, the initiative establishes a coordinated network of business support organizations working together to make entrepreneurial resources more accessible and effective.
Through a regional hub-and-spoke model, participating organizations will work collaboratively to provide business development assistance, technical expertise, education, and connections to resources tailored to the needs of local entrepreneurs.
The partnership between TechTown Detroit, Oakland THRIVE, and Velocity brings together organizations with a shared commitment to supporting businesses at every stage of development.
As the regional lead, TechTown Detroit will coordinate the broader initiative, while Oakland THRIVE will serve as the primary small business support organization for Oakland County and Velocity will support entrepreneurs in Macomb County.
This collaborative approach is designed to strengthen connections between regional resources and local businesses, helping entrepreneurs more easily navigate available services and find the support that best meets their needs.
The statewide initiative supports services such as:
Specific services and opportunities available through Oakland THRIVE’s participation will be shared as regional programming develops.
Oakland THRIVE’s designation reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening Oakland County’s small business community.
Through individualized consulting, business education, technical assistance, and connections to valuable resources, Oakland THRIVE works to reduce barriers to entrepreneurship and help local businesses navigate challenges and pursue opportunities for growth.
In 2025 alone, Oakland THRIVE supported more than 4,200 businesses, delivered over 8,850 coaching and consulting sessions, and hosted 102 workshops and training opportunities.
Participation in Small Business Support Hubs 2.0 builds on this foundation, expanding opportunities for collaboration and reinforcing Oakland THRIVE’s role as a trusted resource for Oakland County’s entrepreneurs.
Small businesses are essential to Oakland County’s economic vitality, creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods, and contributing to thriving local communities.
Through its leadership role in the Small Business Support Hubs 2.0 initiative, Oakland THRIVE will continue working to ensure entrepreneurs have access to the tools, connections, and support they need to succeed.
Additional information about the regional initiative, available services, and opportunities for small businesses will be shared as programming moves forward.
Looking for support for your business? Email us at info@oaklandthrive.org to learn more about Oakland Thrive’s services and how to get connected.
Learn more about the statewide initiative through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s announcement.