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The program has provided $7.6M to help startups deliver on customer orders and demonstrate market validation—key steps that attract follow-on investment and accelerate Michigan’s innovation pipeline.  

In its first three years, Michigan Rise has provided over $7.6 million in purchase order (P.O.) financing to early-stage Michigan startups, offering critical capital to help them fulfill customer orders and accelerate growth.  

Securing capital is one of the biggest hurdles for startups bringing products to market. Traditional lenders often hesitate to support companies without a financial track record, leaving founders without the funds needed to deliver on new orders. The Michigan Rise P.O. Financing program fills this gap by providing short-term funding that enables startups to fulfil large orders, scale operations, and demonstrate market traction — often a key signal for future investors.   

“Michigan Rise truly illustrates the power of collaboration to move Michigan’s entrepreneurial community forward,” said Nataliya Stasiw, Equity Capital Programs Director at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). “The P.O. Financing program gives founders the means to deliver on their customers’ needs, strengthen their business model, and take that bold next step in growth. Watching these founders succeed—and knowing it’s happening right here in Michigan—is incredibly rewarding.” 

The P.O. Financing program has supported startups across industries, including:  

  • Accelerated Filtration (acelfil.com) – Automates removal of suspended solids from challenging water sources, helping industries treat intake, process, and wastewater efficiently.  
  • ArcPath Automation & Design (arcpathautomation.com) – Provides engineering services in controls, robotics, and process automation, delivering design and project management across multiple industries.  
  • ATLAS Space Operations (atlasspace.com) – Developing a global ground network that simplifies satellite communications and improves connectivity for spacecraft operators.  
  • Civilized Cycles (civilizedcycles.com) – Builds compact electric vehicles that provide efficient, sustainable transportation for urban passengers and cargo.  
  • Electric Outdoors (electricoutdoors.com) – Offers solar-powered EV-charging canopies for off-grid camping, enabling unique and customizable outdoor travel experiences.  
  • Functional Fluidics (functionalfluidics.com) – Delivers blood-cell testing that measures cell fragility and adhesion, helping clinicians identify patients at risk of complications.  
  • Fusion Coolant (fusioncoolant.com) – Uses supercritical carbon dioxide to improve metal-cutting processes, boosting precision and efficiency in manufacturing. 
  • Grounded (groundedevs.com) – Designs fully electric recreational vehicles built for reliable, self-sufficient travel and sustainable living on the road. 
  • LiveRoad Analytics (liveroadanalytics.com) – Combines fleet, sensor, and weather data to provide detailed road-risk forecasts that improve transportation safety and efficiency. 
  • OrganicsRx (officialorganicsrx.com) – Produces 100% plant-based, animal-free fertilizers for organic farming and home gardening. 
  • Orbion (orbionspace.com) – Develops plasma propulsion systems for small satellites, lowering operating costs and increasing mission performance.  
  • PassiveBolt (passivebolt.com) – Integrates cryptographic identity and decentralized authentication into smart locks, enabling secure, web3-based access control for homes and businesses.  
  • Pearl Edison (pearledison.com) – Offers a step-by-step platform that simplifies home electrification for consumers and increases efficiency for contractors. 
  • Promethient (thermavance.com) – Manufactures heated and cooled seating systems for boats, recreational vehicles, stadiums, and other non-automotive applications.  
  • The Lip Bar (thelipbar.com) – Creates vegan, cruelty-free beauty products designed for a wide range of complexions. 

“Securing capital for startups producing physical products is increasingly challenging,” said Calvin VanderWal, Venture Associate at Michigan Rise. “Our P.O. Financing program gives these companies the means to fulfil critical orders, generate cash flow, and provide tangible validation that attracts future investors.”  

Startups can learn more the program and eligibility at michiganrise.com/po-financing 

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