Launched in June 2025, the MI Hub for Manufacturers serves as a centralized platform connecting Michigan businesses with funding, training, and growth resources n
Lansing, MI — In June, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Community & Worker Economic Transition Office introduced the MI Hub for Manufacturers, an interactive digital platform aimed at supporting local manufacturing firms in expanding operations, securing capital, and maintaining competitiveness. As of now, more than 100 manufacturers across the state are utilizing the hub to pursue $17 million in available grants and loans, while also accessing advisory services, training programs, and industry events.
“We’re already seeing strong engagement from manufacturers across Michigan, which reflects both the demand and readiness of businesses to embrace emerging opportunities in mobility, advanced energy, defense, and other expanding fields,” said Jonathan Smith, director of the Michigan Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. “This platform is enabling our manufacturers to stay ahead, reinforcing Michigan’s role as a global leader in the automotive supply chain and ensuring our workforce and enterprises are equipped for future economic shifts.”
Within three months of its official rollout, the MI Hub for Manufacturers has expanded its offerings to include:
– $17 million in accessible grant and loan funding, along with connections to expert advisors, digital tools, training modules, and quarterly networking events.
– Support for manufacturers navigating time-sensitive funding applications, such as those for the upcoming Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program and the Going PRO Talent Fund.
– New collaborations with 16 local and national specialists who now serve as advisors to guide companies through growth and transition.
– A redesigned homepage, improved email verification, and a simplified onboarding process to enhance user experience.
– A dedicated events calendar that keeps manufacturers informed about virtual and in-person gatherings hosted by trusted community partners, aimed at business development and networking.
The MI Hub for Manufacturers emerged from a statewide collaboration between the Michigan government, industry associations, economic development agencies, and business support organizations. Backed by $1.5 million in philanthropic funding and a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Next Street—a national firm specializing in small business and supplier solutions—the platform aggregates funding opportunities, links companies with financial products and expert guidance, delivers on-demand learning resources, and hosts partner-provided tools to help suppliers diversify and enter new markets.
“The MI Hub for Manufacturers is proving to be a one-stop shop for Michigan’s businesses,” said Next Street CEO Charisse Conanan Johnson. “By consolidating tools, resources, training, and funding access, the platform simplifies how companies can upgrade operations, prepare workers for the clean energy transition, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.”
The hub is strengthening Michigan’s automotive and manufacturing sectors by helping firms adapt to economic, technological, and global trade changes—including supply chain disruptions, tariff pressures, and the shift toward electric vehicles. By supporting manufacturers through these transitions, the state is laying the foundation for sustained economic growth, resilience, and job creation.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office to support industrial adaptation. Additional efforts include a public-private collaboration with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy, committing a combined $3.5 billion annually to purchase technology, equipment, and services from Michigan-based suppliers, as well as a $1.5 million grant from Ballmer Group to develop a Community Transition Playbook.
Established under a landmark set of clean energy and climate laws passed in 2023 and signed by Governor Whitmer, the office is further supported by $25.5 million in the state’s FY26 budget. These funds will help workers and businesses affected by industrial changes access retraining, job placement, and economic transition support, ensuring communities, employees, and employers are prepared to shape and benefit from Michigan’s evolving economy.
— news from State of Michigan (.gov)
— News Original —
State hub helps 100+ Michigan manufacturers apply for $17M in grant and loan opportunities
Launched in June 2025, the MI Hub for Manufacturers is a one-stop shop for connecting Michigan businesses to events, resources, training and funding n nLansing, MI — In June, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Community & Worker Economic Transition Office launched the MI Hub for Manufacturers, a dynamic online platform designed to help local businesses grow, access funding and stay competitive. Today, more than 100 manufacturers across Michigan are using the platform to apply for $17 million in grant and loan opportunities and access events, resources and tools to grow their businesses and train their staff. n n“We are seeing manufacturers across Michigan already using the MI Hub for Manufacturers, showing both the need and desire from businesses to prepare for new opportunities in mobility, advanced energy, defense and other growing sectors,” said Jonathan Smith, director of the Michigan Community & Worker Economic Transition Office. “This tool is helping Michigan’s manufacturers stay ahead of the curve, strengthening our position as a global leader in the automotive supply chain and ensuring our workers and businesses are prepared to seize the opportunities of the future.” n nIn just three months following the official launch of the MI Hub for Manufacturers, the platform now offers Michigan manufacturing companies the following: n nResources available on the platform currently include $17 million in grants and loans as well as access to advisors, tools, training and quarterly events. n nGuidance to help manufacturers apply for timely funding and training opportunities, including the upcoming Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program and the Going PRO Talent Fund. n nNew partnerships with local and national experts to serve as advisors to manufacturers. The platform now includes a total of 16 partners providing guidance to businesses. n nA new and improved landing page, email verification process and streamlined onboarding experience to help manufacturers navigate the platform. n nA new events page to inform manufacturers on upcoming events to grow their business, connect with peers and access opportunities, both virtual and in-person and hosted by trusted community partners. n nThe MI Hub for Manufacturers is the result of a statewide public-private partnership led by the State of Michigan in collaboration with industry associations, economic development organizations and business support providers. With $1.5 million in support from philanthropy and a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Next Street, a national small business and supplier solutions company, this interactive online platform publishes funding opportunities, connect businesses to expert advisors and capital products, provides on-demand digital learning tools and hosts partner resources that can help suppliers diversify and grow to enter new supply chains. n n“The MI Hub for Manufacturers is proving to be a one-stop shop for Michigan’s businesses,” said Next Street CEO Charisse Conanan Johnson “By bringing together tools, resources, training and funding opportunities, the platform is making it easier for businesses to improve their operations, prepare their workforce for the new clean energy economy and stay competitive in a rapidly changing industry.” n nThe MI Hub for Manufacturers is building a more resilient automotive and manufacturing sector in Michigan by helping businesses navigate today’s economic, technological and global trade shifts — from supply chain disruptions to tariff pressures and electric vehicle transitions. By supporting manufacturing businesses through transition, Michigan is laying the groundwork for long-term growth, resilience and job creation across the state. n nThe MI Hub for Manufacturers is one piece of a broader strategy by the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office to support manufacturers. Additional resources include a public-private partnership with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy that includes a commitment of a combined $3.5 billion annually to purchase technology, equipment and services from Michigan-based businesses and a $1.5 million grant from Ballmer Group to create a Community Transition Playbook. n nThe Community and Worker Economic Transition Office was created as part of a historic package of clean energy and climate bills passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Whitmer in 2023. The state’s FY26 budget includes $25.5 million for the Community and Worker Economic Transition Office to help workers and businesses impacted by industry shifts access retraining, job placement and economic transition resources. The office will ensure communities, workers, and employers have the support they need to proactively prepare for, benefit from and shape Michigan’s future economy.