Three SURGE startups receive awards from state innovation program
HOLLAND, Mich. – Three members of Lakeshore Advantage’s SURGE program were selected to receive Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) awards. These funds are aimed at helping small businesses in the advanced technology sector along their path to commercialization. Awards are competitive and typically given to companies with promising innovations involving intellectual property.
“Lilypad Labs has worked closely with Lakeshore Advantage since our inception in January 2021” said Dana Lowell, CEO, Lilypad Labs. “They have been instrumental in helping us bring carbon-free boating to West Michigan.”
BAF awards are used to engage third-party specialists such as marketing agencies, regulatory consultants, legal services, and other types of providers that offer services which are otherwise not available to them through their business accelerator.
The Business Accelerator Fund is administered by the Michigan Small Business Development Center in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and is available to participating accelerators in Michigan’s statewide SmartZone network. Clients of SmartZone-participating accelerators, like SURGE, participate in the program by working with their accelerator to submit a proposal. SURGE Member startups selected for awards include:
Lilypad Labs uses clean energy and autonomous mobility technologies to offer an approachable, alternative boating experience designed to bring people together on the water with little to no boating expertise.
- Service Provider: Varnum
- Project Description: Funds will be used to facilitate the preparation of a template Lease Agreement. This agreement is designed for use between Lilypad Labs and its initial “fleet managers,” governing the terms and conditions for the use and rental of Lilypad Labs’ solar boats. Lilypad Labs is dedicated to sustainable transportation solutions and this award will help streamline business operations and expand their environmentally friendly offerings.
Rebel Cultures uses patent-pending technology that mimics a perfect plant tissue culture environment to untangle one of the most complex processes in plant production for a more affordable, equitable, sustainable, and enjoyable world with enough plants.
- Service Provider: EVO Engineering
- Project Description: Funds will be used to create an interactive display of Rebel Cultures’ “Plant Replica,” which will be showcased at the prestigious AmericanHort’s Cultivate 2023 event. This grant will allow Rebel Cultures to present their groundbreaking work to a broader audience, fostering connections and opportunities for growth.
Revolin Sports brings high-performance, reliable, and eco-friendly pickleball equipment to players across the nation.
- Service Provider: Plug Digital
- Project Description: Funding will be utilized to revamp and update Revolin Sports’ website, which is a crucial component of their planned national marketing campaign. A previous BAF award received by Revolin Sports was instrumental in the initial development of their marketing strategy. With this new funding, they aim to elevate their online presence and expand their reach to a wider audience across the nation.
“Lakeshore Advantage has been a great support to Revolin Sports for the past 3+ years” said Hugh Davis, Revolin Sports. “They have been instrumental in helping us to successfully enter the growing Pickleball market through their robust programming, connections, and resources. This includes our participation in their SURGE Boostcamp program, ongoing business coaching/mentorship, vendor support, access to top-notch facilities, fun and informative events, and access to capital through the Business Accelerator Fund.”
SURGE startups additionally raise capital from sources including venture capital, business loans, microloans, and more. In 2023, more than 30 SURGE member startups have raised a combined $1.2 million to-date.