The NextCycle Michigan Seed Award Program is providing small-scale funding and support to early-stage projects focused on keeping materials out of landfills. These awards are designed to help businesses, public sector entities, solid waste authorities, tribal governments, universities/colleges, and non-profits get a jump-start to launch or scale a solution that fills a gap in Michigan鈥檚 circular economy. Seed Awards are funded by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) as part of NextCycle Michigan. Applicants do not have to be involved in other aspects of the NextCycle Michigan program to apply.
- Eligible Entities: Businesses, non-profit organizations, tribal governments, universities/colleges, public-sector entities, municipal solid waste authorities, or similar entities physically located in Michigan.
- Supported Project Types: Any project that directly or indirectly improves collecting, processing, minimizing, reusing, composting, or recycling of Michigan鈥檚 waste materials are eligible. Types of materials recovered may range from textiles, plastics, metals, organic waste, food scraps, C&D, batteries or other materials. Materials which are not eligible for this funding opportunity are tires or electronic waste.
- Funding Use: A clear work plan and budget can include the following expenditures which are eligible to be covered by the award.
- Equipment and Supplies*
- Prototyping/Lab Testing/R&D (supplies or labor*)
- Project Related Event/Meeting Space Rental
- Marketing and collateral
- Contracted services related to expenditures
- Awardee labor or project stipends
- Surveys
- Project Related Travel/Lodging – aligned with the state travel rates.
*Individual equipment purchases of the full $10,000 will not be eligible. Funding regular salaries, paid holiday, or similar is not eligible. Labor will need to be reported based on hourly tracking.
How to Apply: Download the PDF application packet to review and gather the necessary information. Then, log in to the online application portal to enter your information and submit your application. You can start and save your partial application in the portal and return to submit later.
Award Size: $8,000-$10,000 (no match required)
Total Funding Available: $300,000
Deadline: July 31, 2025
For more information, download the application packet, and link to the online application, visit