Build Fast. Scale Securely.

Smart Biz iT and our global engineering partner NXTKey Corporation are investing in the Detroit startup ecosystem. Get the technical and security foundation you need to launch your MVP, prepare for SOC 2, and land enterprise contracts.
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Early-stage founders are often forced to choose between moving fast and building correctly. That tradeoff creates real risk.Poor architecture slows product launches. Weak security practices block enterprise sales. Missing SOC 2 readiness can create friction with customers, investors, and procurement teams. The Digital Innovation & Security Grants are designed to help founders close that gap. We are offering two professional service grants: $5,000 Software Development Grant and $2,500 SOC 2 Readiness Grant. Each grant is designed to help founders move from idea, prototype, or early traction toward a stronger, more secure, more scalable business. No equity given up. No convertible notes. No board seats. Just capital, capability, and a clear runway to your first working, secure product.
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$5,000 Software Development Grant

The $5,000 Software Development Grant is for startups and founders who need technical support to bring a product idea to life or improve an existing application.
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This grant may be used toward professional services related to:
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Custom software development
MVP planning and buildout
SaaS application development
AI-enabled workflow or product development
Product architecture review
Application modernization
Technical scoping and roadmap development

This grant is best suited for founders who have a clear business problem, a defined product idea, and a need for a capable technical team to help move the project forward.

Grant Value: $5,000 professional service credit

This grant is offered by Smart Biz iT in partnership with NXTKey Corporation, our global engineering partner.
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$5,000 Software Development MVP Grant

$2,500 SOC 2 Readiness Grant

The $2,500 SOC 2 Readiness Grant is for startups and small businesses that need help preparing for SOC 2 requirements before entering a formal audit process.

This grant is designed for companies that are starting to face security questionnaires, enterprise procurement reviews, customer due diligence, or investor questions around security controls.

This grant may be used toward professional services related to:

SOC 2 readiness assessment
Security control gap review
Policy and procedure development
Evidence readiness planning
Vendor security questionnaire preparation
Risk register and remediation planning
Access control and MFA review
Cloud and productivity platform security review
SOC 2 readiness roadmap development

This grant is best suited for companies that are pursuing larger customers and need to show that they are taking security and compliance seriously.

Grant Value: $2,500 professional service credit

This grant is delivered by Smart Biz iT.
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$2,500 SOC 2 Readiness Grant

Who Should Apply
‍You should apply if you are a founder, startup, or small business that fits one or more of the following:

You are building a software product, SaaS platform, app, or AI-enabled tool.
You need help turning an idea or prototype into a real MVP.
You are preparing for your first enterprise customer.
You have been asked to complete a vendor security questionnaire.
A customer, investor, or partner has asked about SOC 2.
You know SOC 2 is coming but do not know where to start.
You are preparing to scale and want to avoid expensive technical or security mistakes early.

How the Application Process Works

‍Step 1: Choose Your Grant
Select the grant that best matches your current business need.

Step 2: Complete the Application
Use the appropriate Google Form to submit your company information, project details, and current business stage.

Step 3: Application Review
Smart Biz iT will review applications and may follow up for clarification. For Software Development MVP Grant applicants, Smart Biz iT and NXTKey Corporation may jointly review technical fit. For SOC 2 Readiness Grant applicants, Smart Biz iT will review your security and compliance readiness needs.

Step 4: Winner Selection
Selected grant recipients will be notified directly.

Step 5: Scope and Kickoff
If selected, you will complete a grant kickoff call and receive a Statement of Work outlining the project scope, timeline, and remaining investment required.

Grant Terms

The Digital Innovation & Security Grants are professional service credits offered by Smart Biz iT. The Software Development MVP Grant is offered in collaboration with NXTKey Corporation. The SOC 2 Readiness Grant is delivered by Smart Biz iT. Grant credits have no cash value, are non-transferable, and apply only to eligible professional services. Applications are open from May 15 through May 30. The SOC 2 Readiness Grant does not cover the cost of a formal SOC 2 audit. Selection is not guaranteed. Final project scope, pricing, and eligibility will be confirmed through a written Statement of Work. If selected, the grant recipient must sign a Statement of Work within 60 days of award notification.
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Ready to Build or Prepare for SOC 2?
Whether you need to build your MVP, prepare for SOC 2, strengthen your security foundation, or become enterprise-ready, this program is designed to help you move forward with more confidence.
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$5,000 Software Development MVP Grant