MACKINAC ISLAND – At the Mackinac Policy Conference, the Michigan Growth Office announced three major initiatives aimed at boosting the state’s population and economy, including the full launch of Make MI Home, a first-of-its-kind statewide talent retention and attraction program, one which will affect the Traverse City region.
Make MI Home will distribute $769,000 in grants to five new consortiums across Michigan. These awards bring the total investment in the program to over $1.4 million, supporting 10 programs focused on building a skilled, vibrant workforce.
Initially launched as a pilot last year, Make MI Home received 20 applications. Its success prompted the Growth Office to expand the program statewide, drawing 39 applications this year. The initiative funds community-driven strategies to retain local talent, attract new residents, and stimulate regional innovation.
“Michigan is the best place in America to ‘Make It,’” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Programs like Make MI Home reflect our commitment to growth, equity, and prosperity for all Michiganders.”
Grantees and Programs
Traverse Connect – $59,000
Focused on Northwest Michigan, Traverse Connect will use its grant to attract and retain professionals with housing aid, relocation support, childcare options, and access to networking and cultural events.
“This funding helps people make Northwest Michigan home,” said CEO Warren Call.
Partners: Networks Northwest, Charlevoix, Manistee, and Petoskey chambers of commerce.
Michigan Women Forward – $200,000
Founder Forward helps early-stage and scaling entrepreneurs, including out-of-state and returning “boomerang” founders, to build businesses in Michigan. Services include relocation assistance, coworking space, mentorship, and funding network access.
Partners: Verdigris Group, Femology, Michigan Central.
Welcome Program Statewide
As part of the statewide launch, the Growth Office introduced a Welcome Program to help new and recent residents acclimate. It offers perks such as free access to state parks, free pre-K for 4-year-olds, free community college, and discounts at Michigan businesses. Initial partners include Boyne and Bamboo Coworking.
City of Detroit – $210,000
Detroit will launch the Detroit Tech Fellowship Program, supporting recent university graduates launching startups in sectors like AI, biotech, clean energy, and mobility. Participants will receive housing support, coworking space, and access to networking events.
“Detroit has always been shaped by innovation,” said Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship for the city. “This fellowship supports bold new founders to build and thrive here.”
Partners: Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Bamboo, Newlab, Techtown.
K-Connect (Grand Rapids) – $200,000
The Teach Here program tackles the educator shortage in West Michigan, helping aspiring teachers obtain certification in high-demand areas such as STEM, foreign languages, and special education. Supports include housing assistance, mental health resources, and job placement.
“This grant removes systemic barriers and helps us attract the educators who will shape our future,” said K-Connect President Salvador Lopez.
Partners: Kent ISD, West Michigan Teacher Collaborative, Grand Valley State University.
International Center of Greater Flint – $100,000
Genesee Future Forward aims to keep college students in the area post-graduation by connecting them with local employers in healthcare, education, and STEM fields. The program offers relocation support, coworking space, cultural memberships, and employer networking.
“This investment strengthens our community by making Flint a destination for young professionals,” said Executive Director Phyllis Sykes.
Partners: Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Flint & Genesee Chamber, UM-Flint, Mott College, Kettering University.
Discover Southwest Michigan launches
Earlier grantee Discover Southwest Michigan has officially opened applications for its Make MI Home program, funded with $100,000. Targeting Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, the program offers incentives worth up to $14,000, including $5,000 in down payment aid, spousal job placement, free tuition at Lake Michigan College, and school enrollment support.
“This initiative gives people a real reason to build their lives here,” said Arthur Havlicek, President of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber.
Partners: Lake Michigan College, Whirlpool Corporation, AEP, local realtors, and nonprofits.
Info: michiganbusiness.org/makemihome
