AMMP Accelerator
is an in-person program located in Houghton, MI hosted by MTEC SmartZone and funded by the US Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE), part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build to Scale Venture Challenge, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Program (AMMP) supports 5 advanced material and manufacturing companies that are pre-revenue, in early-stage operations and have strong technology & founders with an initial business plan. Over 3 months, companies must move to the Keweenaw for an intensive coaching program culminating in an investor showcase. The curriculum is designed to support underrepresented entrepreneurs, accelerate company growth in the Upper Midwest Region, and provide guidance and mentorship to approximately 120 companies in the community, driving forward the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Community Open Doors Program
At AMMP, we know that not every business will fit into our cohort — they may be in different industries, a later-stage company, or an earlier stage than we specialize in. But, those innovators, entrepreneurs, or potential founders are still part of our community and have our support.
Our skilled staff is available to any member of the community during their weekly office hours, able to provide guidance and mentorship to help move an existing company forward or guide in the creation of a company that can be in a future cohort.
AMMP Accelerator hosts speaker presentations open to the entire community who specialize in a variety of topics critical to early-stage companies but chosen with an eye toward broad application to business owners and managers. The speaker series runs the entire 3-month program, and we invite all members of the community to attend.
Business owners must be skilled in many aspects to run a company but cannot be the best lawyer, accountant, human resource professional, or even marketer all at the same time. AMMP Accelerator provides local entrepreneurs with access to experts across these technical fields for advice and guidance, and working through both strategic and tactical concerns. With assistance from our staff and the experts we bring in, every business throughout the UP can benefit from our programming.