SmartZone
SmartZone: Accelerating Food & Ag-Tech Innovation
SmartZones are Michigan's statewide network of local hubs supporting early-stage tech companies, funded through the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Each SmartZone is anchored by a local accelerator/incubator and a Gateway Representative who connects startups to statewide resources like SBIR/STTR support, the Business Accelerator Fund, and the SBDC Tech Team.
Battle Creek Food Reimagined (BCFR) Accelerator serves as the local SmartZone hub with a food-centric focus, supporting innovative startups and emerging companies working on food technology and ag-tech — from food and beverage products to the frontier of food innovation such as precision fermentation, food processing automation, and ag data platforms — as they move toward commercialization.
Through SmartZone, qualifying companies gain access to:
- SBDC Tech Business Consulting Team – free consulting for early-stage tech companies (strategy, financial modeling, IP, fundraising prep)
- BBCetc – SBIR/STTR federal grant support
- Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) – funds specialized third-party services (market research, financial modeling, product testing, patent search, regulatory consulting, etc.)
- Emerging Technologies Fund (ETF) – early-stage tech funding, matched to SBIR/STTR awards
- Design for Michigan Manufacturing (DFMM) – manufacturing design support
- Equity Capital Programs – early-stage investment funds
- Local Programs – BCFR connects Food & Bev/CPG companies with local resources, including programming, access to the accelerator kitchen, and connections with industry experts
Is your company a fit?
Reach out to Gabriela Perez, BCFR SmartZone Gateway Representative
Perez@bcunlimited.org