Rep. Haley Stevens Leads Bipartisan Build to Scale Reauthorization Act to Strengthen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Across Michigan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11), along with Rep. Jim Baird (R-IN),  introduced the bipartisan Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026, legislation to extend and strengthen the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) successful Build to Scale program through fiscal year 2030. The bill helps startups grow, strengthens regional innovation hubs, and creates good-paying jobs across Michigan and the country.

Since 2014, the EDA’s Build to Scale program has invested $272 million in 426 projects nationwide, supporting more than 58,600 jobs and 6,200 startups. In Michigan, the program has helped fuel entrepreneurship and advanced manufacturing in communities from Detroit and Ann Arbor to Traverse City to the Upper Peninsula.

“Michigan has proven that when we invest in innovation, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, we create good-paying jobs and make our economy more competitive,” said Rep. Haley Stevens. “The Build to Scale program has helped communities across our state, from Detroit to Traverse City to the Upper Peninsula, grow startups, attract investment, and turn ideas into real products and technologies. This legislation builds on that success by making sure even more communities, especially historically underserved and economically distressed regions, have a chance to be part of the innovation economy.”

“Innovation is the driver of economic growth,” said Congressman Baird. “When entrepreneurs are given the tools to thrive, society benefits from new technologies and inventions. The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 supports technology-based economic development and new opportunities for innovation, especially in rural communities. This legislation also boosts coordination between the Economic Development Administration and the National Science Foundation to avoid duplicative work and optimize influence. I thank Rep. Stevens for her work with me on this vital issue to help ensure America continues to lead the world in innovation.”

The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 would:

• Reauthorize the Build to Scale program through 2030;
• Expand access to capital for entrepreneurs and startups;
• Increase outreach to rural, trade-impacted, and economically distressed communities;
• Reduce barriers to participation through cost-share waivers for distressed communities;
• Strengthen coordination with federal innovation initiatives, including National Science Foundation programs and Regional Tech Hubs.

The legislation builds on Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ strong record on manufacturing and innovation. Stevens has visited nearly 200 manufacturers across Michigan, pushed to strengthen domestic supply chains and advanced manufacturing, and led efforts in Congress to support workforce development and entrepreneurship. She previously introduced legislation to reauthorize the Build to Scale program during the 116th Congress, continuing her work to grow startups and expand regional innovation economies.

Michigan organizations that have received Build to Scale funding include TechTown Detroit, Automation Alley, Ann Arbor SPARK, 20Fathoms, Lawrence Technological University, Michigan Technological University, Battle Creek Unlimited, and the University of Michigan.

The legislation is backed by the Detroit Regional Chamber, MichAuto, Automation Alley, Wayne State University, State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI), Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and more than 60 economic development organizations nationwide.

“The State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI) applauds Representatives Stevens and Baird for introducing this bill to reauthorize one of the most important federal funding programs intended to support locally designed, public-private initiatives addressing private innovation asset gaps. Build to Scale helps Americans all across the country move new products, technologies, and medical inventions to market faster,” said Mark Skinner, President & CEO of SSTI. “The program allows any U.S. region to make its local companies more competitive at a time when global pressures demonstrate that we need that most urgently and in turn, those innovative startups and manufacturers create critical high-wage job opportunities in communities big, medium, and small; rural, suburban, and urban. Our nation’s regional innovation economy benefits greatly from Representatives Stevens’ and Baird’s leadership.”

“By leveraging the EDA’s Build to Scale framework, TechTown Detroit and Wayne State University have transformed a $400,000 federal investment into a powerful engine projected to unlock $34.7 million in private capital. This strategic initiative has fundamentally reshaped the regional ecosystem by training 200 new angel investors through the Catalyst Angel Program, ensuring that emerging tech startups have the access to capital and mentorship required to scale,” said Ezemernari Obasi, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Innovation for Wayne State University. “Ultimately, this high-leverage model serves as a replicable blueprint for urban innovation, strengthening Detroit’s economic resilience while establishing a sustainable pipeline for high-growth entrepreneurship.”

“The Build to Scale program has been instrumental in expanding access to capital for early-stage technology companies across Pennsylvania,” said Ryan Glenn, Director of Statewide Initiatives, Ben Franklin Technology Partners. “Through our EDA-supported investments, we’ve accelerated company growth and supported entrepreneurs in underserved regions. We appreciate Representatives Haley Stevens and Jim Baird for leading the effort to reauthorize this important program.”

The legislation is also cosponsored by Reps. Wesley Bell (D-MO), Mark Alford (R-TX), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR).

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