GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SUCCESSES
Michigan’s success story is driven by the people who power its industries, make a difference on the global stage and develop tomorrow’s technology.
Michigan Growth Office
Michigan recognizes its strength lies in its diverse, intelligent, and highly skilled talent. That’s why the launch of the Michigan Growth Office is a major step forward in our mission to attract and retain the best and brightest for Michigan.
The office is pioneering programs like Make MI Home that will positively impact every corner of the state, from relocation down payment assistance for STEM professionals to resources for entrepreneurs with a focus on Black, Brown and female founders. Make MI Home also awarded grants to five regional leader consortiums, with corporate support from companies, including MEDF board member-level supporter, Whirlpool Corporation.
Talent Development
Michigan’s Talent Action Team, which partners with employers to help them meet their talent needs, was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Innovative Companies” in the business services category.
One of the Talent Action Team’s core programs, the Michigander Scholars Program, expanded its partnerships, adding Kettering University, Wayne State University and Toyota alongside existing partners GM and Ford. Kettering welcomed the program’s largest-ever incoming class.
The MEDC also expanded its successful STEM internship to incorporate the arts into its science, tech, engineering, and math program. Rebranded STEAM Ahead, the new internship will now include important roles like industrial design and sound engineering. The program reached new heights in 2024 with 570 internships in just one semester, double its yearly average.
Award-Winning Storytelling
SXSW is a global platform for innovation and talent. The MEDF, the MEDC, Ann Arbor Spark, and City of Grand Rapids collaborated together to host Michigan Day at the Midwest House venue. This opportunity brought some of Michigan’s top leaders to one of the world’s most important networking hubs, facilitating discussions on mobility, art, and clean tech.
Several high-profile speakers attended, including Lt. Gov. Gilchrist; Hilary Doe, Michigan Chief Growth Officer; Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; and representatives from Michigan Central and Newlab.
To further Michigan’s presence, the MEDC launched a campaign celebrating Detroit as the birthplace of techno, emphasizing its impact on and connection to Michigan’s tech and creative industries. The marketing effort resulted in standing-room-only attendance for a panel that included Lt. Gov. Gilchrist and Juan Atkins, the originator of techno, followed by an at-capacity performance with Atkins.
Michigan’s SXSW campaign won an International Economic Development Council Award for its powerful and lasting impact. The award came alongside five other awards for marketing Michigan to top-tier talent, including three for its “You Can in Michigan” talent campaign and website and two for the Talent Action Team.
These talent awards will be on display at MEDC headquarters, alongside the four Gold and seven Silver Awards the “You Can in Michigan” national marketing campaign won from the Telly Awards. The campaign won against more than 12,000 award entries that spanned six continents and all 50 states. The bottom line: Michigan is making its mark globally as a top place to live and work.