Turning Ideas into Impact: AMMP Accelerator Hits Its Stride
Building Momentum: Founders Sharpen Their Tools in Weeks 5–8
As the AMMP Accelerator crosses the halfway mark, the energy is undeniable. In Weeks 5 through 8, our founders shifted from foundation-laying to active refinement, tackling financial models, testing messaging, refining pitch decks, and mapping out the road to commercialization. With insights from startup veterans, policy experts, university leadership, and state-level partners, every session reinforced what it takes to build something that lasts.
Xiefeng Xie, Founder/CEO of Sustainable Superior Solutions, engages with Ryan Galerneau during MMTC’s Lean Simulation Workshop.
Week 5: Business Basics, Smarter Funding, and Real Financial Planning
From forming an LLC to outlining pro forma financials, Week 5 covered essential startup operations. Grace Hsia Haberl and Jason Mack guided founders through pricing strategies and market analysis, challenging teams to align customer understanding with scalable revenue models.
Jason then led an in-depth dive into non-dilutive funding, walking through Michigan’s Business Accelerator Fund (BAF), the SmartZone network, and key grant programs. Founders left with a toolkit of local resources and a better grasp on how to de-risk their technologies for investor readiness.
Week 6: Presence, Pitching, and Sales Readiness
The focus turned toward digital presence and customer traction. Founders explored website setup, SEO, and CRM systems to support sales growth with Mary Ahles. Our hands-on workshops helped teams simulate buyer-seller interactions, refine public speaking skills, and field tough Q&A scenarios like seasoned pros.
Patrick Visser returned to the AMMP Wing with a crowd-favorite session on funding innovation, covering non-dilutive and private investment strategies that help startups bridge the gap between R&D and commercialization.
The week ended with a Wednesday night gathering at Smallcraft, bringing makers and entrepreneurs together in a laid-back setting overlooking the portage.
Patrick Visser, Chief Commercial Officer at MTEC SmartZone, dives into funding strategies from bootstrapping to private investment for early-stage innovators.
Week 7: Lean Ops, Leadership, and Local Success Stories
The cohort hit the road with a site visit to Calumet Electronics, where Todd Brassard and Rob Cooke offered a firsthand look at what it takes to grow a rural advanced manufacturing company with global reach.
Back in the AMMP Wing, founders engaged in lean operations and ERP simulations with Ryan Galerneau (MMTC). We were lucky enough to have a few external guest from Revex Technologies and GLSV inc. join us for this workshop. This week also included exploring selling to the federal government with Chris Kangas (APEX Accelerator), and reflected on leadership and mentorship with Dr. Mitch Rohde, founder of Quantum Signal AI. This was a workshop that we got to partner with Femology, a non profit that helps bridge the gap between female empowerment and entrepreneurial success in Michigan.
At Friday’s social at Chutes and Ladders Park, founders swapped stories over snacks and music, bringing Week 7 to a celebratory close and enjoy the community festivities of Bridgefest.
Week 8: From IP to Investor-Readiness
As Demo Day nears, Week 8 helped founders tighten their investor strategy. Jim Tenzillo broke down fundraising mechanics and term sheet readiness, followed by Jim Baker, Nate Yenor, and the MTU innovation team who walked founders through tech transfer, licensing, and working with university IP.
We wrapped the week with Scott Taylor (MI-SBDC) coaching founders on how to “get decked out” honing their 30-second intros, 5-minute pitches, and longer investor presentations. His frameworks will support each founder as they prepare to take the stage at Demo Day.
The AMMP Wing and cohorts, fully engaged, with both in person and online with participants across the state of Michigan.
What’s Next: Demo Day Is Coming
As the final chapter of the accelerator approaches, AMMP founders are taking all they’ve learned about customers, capital, leadership, and storytelling and channeling it into real traction. From scientific prototypes to supply chain strategy, this is where the vision sharpens and the growth begins.
Join us in person at Bonfire Continental Co. on July 25th for the local Demo Day and see the next wave of Michigan manufacturing in motion. Please RSVP to the event here.
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About AMMP Accelerator
The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Program (AMMP) Accelerator is designed to support around five cohort companies every three years, fostering a sustainable model for startup acceleration. Through targeted training and mentorship, the initiative aims to catalyze economic growth, with a projected creation of 40 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs in the Upper Midwest region. Additionally, the program will provide guidance and mentorship to approximately 120 companies in the community, driving forward the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Program funding comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build to Scale Program, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and MTEC SmartZone.
About MTEC
Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC) is one of 21 SmartZones in the State of Michigan. MTEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), its mission is to facilitate the creation and ongoing success of high-tech value propositions in conjunction with the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Since 2003, the MTEC SmartZone has provided mentoring, technical support, and other services to local companies that have led to the creation of over 800 high-tech jobs in the Houghton and Hancock Michigan area.