Ann Arbor Spark

A look back on this week’s economic development headlines, announcements, and other share-worthy news from the Ann Arbor region.

Michigan Business Recovery

• A new grant opportunity, the Michigan Small Business Restart Program, will provide grants to small businesses around the state working to recover from the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 virus. Businesses may apply for grants of up to $20,000. Companies can apply from 7/15 through 8/5 at www.MichiganBusiness.org/Restart. 

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

• Ann Arbor SPARK’s Annual a2Tech360 Goes Virtual for 2020

• Startup Wellness Check: How Tech Entrepreneurs are Weathering the Pandemic

• Ann Arbor augmented reality company, and former SPARK client, SpellBound receives $1.8M grant for pediatric study.

• U-M spinoff Lynx DX pivots from prostate testing to COVID-19

• Software Company UrsaLeo’s Ann Arbor Expansion Supports Manufacturers With Digital Twinning Tech, makes key hire.

• New VC fund to focus exclusively on Midwest startups led by underrepresented minorities

• Ann Arbor-based Zomedica offers $30 million public offering

Mobility News

• The American Center for Mobility (ACM) and the University of Michigan (U-M) announce the release of Understanding the Middle-Skills Workforce in the Connected and Automated Vehicle Sector report. This report addresses the growing need to understand middle-skill jobs, such as technicians, in the connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) sector.

• !important — The First App that Could Save Your Life

• Michigan names Trevor Pawl Chief Mobility Officer

Regional Updates

• Howell-based Rex Materials is acquired; looks to expand internationally

• Three tech companies hiring right now in Ann Arbor and Detroit, including HealPay

• Crowdfunding campaign launched for the A2AC murals project in downtown Ann Arbor