SmartZone Region 6 · Port Huron
Your innovation.
Its next chapter.
Build on your idea with the people, perspective, and resources to move it forward. Connect with Propeller and the Port Huron SmartZone to explore the next step for your technology business.
A local conversation. Connections across Michigan.
PORT HURON SMARTZONE / Eastern Michigan / Connected through Propeller
Innovation with a place to start
Big possibilities.
Local connections.
SmartZones bring technology businesses closer to the expertise and community assets that help them develop. The Port Huron / St. Clair County EDA SmartZone is part of this Michigan network, with a focus on technology development and business creation.
At Propeller, that connection starts with people. Our business incubator community brings together mentoring, workspace, networking, and business support. Tell us where you are today and where you want to go.
Explore the EDA SmartZone overviewExploring an invention?
Bring the problem you want to solve and what makes your idea different.
Building a tech business?
Share your product, your target customer, and your biggest unanswered question.
Developing something new?
Start a conversation about your next product or technology opportunity.
From idea to market
Support for the work
ahead of you.
Explore the capabilities of Michigan’s SmartZone network. Propeller can help you identify the right local starting point.
Validate the opportunity
Explore market analysis, feasibility studies, and technology assessments.
Shape your business
Connect with business planning, coaching, and development mentoring.
Develop the technology
Explore product development and commercialization resources for research and new ideas.
Build founder skills
Find entrepreneurial training and learning opportunities across the network.
Make useful connections
Discover networking events and connections to business and research expertise.
Prepare for funding
Ask about grant-writing support, SBIR/STTR assistance, and investor readiness.
These are statewide capabilities described in the MEDC SmartZones fact sheet (PDF). Specific services, facilities, and eligibility depend on the provider and program; discuss your needs with Kanchan.
Commercialization & funding resources
The right support
for your next milestone.
Start with the business need. Then explore the programs, specialist services, and funding options that may fit.
Business Accelerator Fund · BAF
Specialist expertise.
A clearer path to market.
BAF helps participating SmartZone accelerators arrange specialized third-party services for eligible technology companies. Requests go through a competitive review process.
Support is delivered through accelerator-arranged services. Your project must meet program requirements and receive approval.
Read the BAF program detailsMore ways to move forward
Start with a conversation
about fit.
Kanchan can help you navigate the local resource network and identify who to speak with next.
- Emerge and local resources. Ask about the EDA’s startup funding programs, current terms, and availability.
- Technology funding pathways. Explore MEDC’s early-stage funding resources, including support tied to eligible federal research proposals.
- Your immediate priority. Bring a specific need: technical expertise, market insight, a development milestone, or capital readiness.
Meet your local connection
A real person.
A useful next step.
You do not have to figure out the resource network on your own. Start with Kanchan Wankhede, Director of Entrepreneurial Services for the Port Huron SmartZone and the business incubator at Propeller.
Kanchan also connects entrepreneurs with Eastern Michigan Small Business Network hub services and business mentoring resources.
A helpful first message: tell us what you are building, where your business is based, and the challenge you want to work through.
Kanchan
Wankhede
Director of Entrepreneurial Services
Port Huron SmartZone · Propeller
Connect about your business, mentoring resources, and the support available through the regional network.
kwankhede@edascc.comAppointment link listed by EM-SBN Coaching & Mentoring. Photo: EDA of St. Clair County.Make the first conversation count
Start where you are.
A few simple details help the team understand your business and point you toward relevant support.
Bring your idea.
Describe the problem, your solution, and the people or businesses you want to serve.
Name your next hurdle.
Share what you have tested, what is still uncertain, and the help you need most.
Discuss the next move.
Ask which resources fit your stage, what requirements apply, and how to follow up.
Go directly to the source
Explore the network.
Official program information and local resources to support your next conversation.
Michigan SmartZones
Read the statewide overview and explore the SmartZone service-area map.
EDA of St. Clair CountyPort Huron SmartZone
Learn more about the local SmartZone and its role in technology development.
Local funding resourcesStartup funding
Explore the EDA’s Emerge and BAF information; confirm current terms with the team.
Eastern Michigan Small Business NetworkCoaching & mentoring
Find regional advisors and appointment links for business support.
Before you get started
A little clarity
goes a long way.
How do SmartZone, Propeller, and the EDA connect?
Is this only for technology companies?
Do I need to rent an office before getting in touch?
Does contacting SmartZone guarantee funding?
Where should I start if I am unsure which program fits?
SmartZone Region 6 · Propeller
Let’s talk about
what comes next.
Bring your idea, your challenge, or your next big question. Start a conversation with the team at Propeller.
Propeller · Port Huron SmartZone · Eastern Michigan
Program references checked September 13, 2026.