Getting Paid by SPARK

For consultants and vendors of LDFA-funded work | Updated June 2026

Get Your W-9 Right

Before you invoice us, make sure we have your accurate W-9 on file.

When completing your Form W-9, make sure:

• Your legal name matches IRS records exactly.
• The correct TIN/EIN (Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number) is entered.
• The Entity Type box is checked.
• The form is signed and dated by an authorized individual.

New vendor, or your legal name, address, or Tax ID has changed? Email your updated information to invoice@annarborusa.org before submitting your first invoice.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

These four issues cause most payment delays:

• Wrong recipient. Invoices addressed to the client contact instead of Ann Arbor SPARK directly. Always address invoices to: Ann Arbor SPARK 330 E. Liberty Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104
• Budget overrun. Invoice amount exceeds the remaining balance on your contract.
• Name mismatch. Vendor name or address doesn’t match the W-9 on file.
• Missing ACH info. Incomplete or missing ACH authorization.

Step 1: Prepare Your Invoice

Submit invoices as a PDF only. Word documents and text files will be returned.

Your invoice must include all six of the following:

1. Your legal name and legal address must match your W-9 on file exactly.
2. A unique invoice number and date.
3. Contract Details. Always include the project name, contract date, and client name. Also include the PO number, if applicable.
4. Itemized services. Description of work completed, with specific dates.
5. Rate and total amount. Cannot exceed your approved contract amount.
6. Payment information. ACH authorization on file.

Example Invoice can be downloaded here

Step 2: Submit Your Invoice

Email your PDF to invoice@annarborusa.org.

Subject line: [Your Business Name] – Invoice [Number] – [SPARK Project Name]

You’ll get an automatic confirmation that your invoice was received. If there’s no issue, you won’t hear from us again until payment is processed. If your invoice needs correction, we will contact you, and your payment timeline restarts from the date we receive the corrected version.

Step 3: What Happens Next

We confirm your invoice matches your W-9 and that we have your ACH authorization on file. The client you did the work for then confirms the work is complete and the amount matches your contract. Once approved, your invoice is queued for ACH payment.

Invoices received and approved by the 5th of the month are paid by the last business day of that month. Invoices received after the 5th are paid the following month.

Questions?

Contact Hayden Braun, Entrepreneurial Services Client Support Manager hayden@annarborusa.org.

Direct URL: https://annarborusa.org/news/faq/getting-paid-by-spark/

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