Momentum
Aimed to Empower Established Businesses With Strategies To Achieve Long-term Sustainability.
About The Program
Velocity and Operations School have teamed up for our Fall Momentum cohort, a high-impact initiative designed to equip local entrepreneurs with expert-led education, hands-on technical assistance, and system-based strategies to drive sustainable business growth.
This program is tailored for businesses with at least one year of operations and existing revenue. Participants will receive expert support in key areas such as scaling strategies, marketing, legal guidance, funding opportunities, and grant applications.
Deadline to apply is September 17th
Schedule
Tuesdays from 6-8pm at Velocity
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10/7/2025 – Orientation (In Person)
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10/14/2025 – Get Legal (Virtual)
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10/21/2025 – Get Operational (In Person)
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10/28/2025 – Get Legit (Virtual)
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11/4/2025 – Systems (In Person)
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11/11/2025 – AI & Automation (Virtual)
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11/18/2025 – Insurance & Risk (In Person)
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12/2/2025 – Get Profitable (Virtual)
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12/9/2025 – Delegation (In Person)
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12/16/2025 – Get Scalable (In Person)
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1/13/2026 – Graduation Day (In Person)!
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SLFRP0127 awarded to Sterling Heights Local Development Finance Authority (“LDFA” or “Velocity”) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury & Powered by:
Eligibility Criteria
Ideal candidates for this program must meet the following requirements:
✔️ For-profit small businesses located in Macomb County
✔️ Established businesses in operation for at least 12 months
✔️ Beyond ideation and revenue-generating (this means you are generating revenue, not necessarily profitable)
✔️ Able to commit to 90% in-person attendance over 6 months (only two absences permitted during the eleven-week program period), and;
✔️Must meet at least one of the following:
-Experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19
-Located in a designated impact zone, such as:
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2015 CDFI Investment Tract
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2020 Qualified Census Tract (QCT)
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Rural Michigan County (Refer to map here) or;
-SEDI-Owned Business (Socially & Economically Disadvantaged Individuals). At least 51% owned by a woman, minority, veteran, LGBTQ+ individual, person with a disability, or another underserved group as defined by the U.S. Treasury Definition
Interested entrepreneurs should apply during the designated application periods. Selection is competitive, and participation is not guaranteed.
Program Highlights
Strengthen operational foundations for participating businesses
Provide expert-led workshops on process optimization, financial management & technology integration
Deliver one-on-one coaching & technical assistance to tackle specific business challenges
Foster a thriving entrepreneur community for collaboration & support
WHY JOIN?
The Momentum Program is more than education—it’s a transformation for small businesses looking to scale efficiently and sustainably.
Financial Growth
85% of past businesses reported measurable financial growth within 6 months
Clarity
All participants improved operational efficiency & clarity
Collaboration
Built a lasting peer network for ongoing learning & collaboration