 The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has a plan that reflects the value of a Team Michigan approach, strengths-based marketing, placemaking, small business solutions and talent retention: the state’s “Make It in Michigan” economic development strategy, which focuses on investing in People, revitalizing Places and communities, and competing for and securing Projects while growing small businesses.
Indeed, these efforts reflect standard best practices in the industry, and are a key reason behind the MEDC’s recognition as an Accredited Economic Development Organization by the International Economic Development Council. The MEDC is one of only two statewide organizations to have received this prestigious designation, highlighting our work on an international stage.
These elements are also recognized by economic development leaders across the state, who are calling for the renewal or extension of Michigan’s current programs in seven of their top ten priorities for statewide growth and prosperity. Economic development professionals agree that many of the state’s current efforts are working well and are worthy of continued and consistent investment.
Team Michigan: When MEDC references its Team Michigan approach – it means everyone. Since 2019, coordination and alignment with other state departments have shattered silos to lead to stronger collaboration and proven results. This is driven in part by the presence of MEDC field staff who live and work in every corner of the state.
Meanwhile, through the Collaborative Development Council and statewide organizations such as CEDAM or the Michigan Economic Developers Association, MEDC communicates and coordinates with partners in each of the state’s ten regions.
Strengths-based Marketing: Through robust, award-winning efforts such as Pure Michigan, You Can in Michigan, and MEDC’s business attraction efforts online and directly with target employers, Michigan is telling our state’s story with emphasis on our rich natural resources and 20% of the world’s freshwater, alongside our strong universities and top-ranked skilled workforce.
Placemaking and Quality of Life: Quality of life is inextricable from economic development. That’s why through the Revitalization and Placemaking program, Transformational Brownfield Plan program, Michigan Main Street, Michigan Community Revitalization Program, Public Spaces Community Places and many others, the MEDC supports communities throughout the state with renovating blighted properties, adding critical housing, awarding grants for beautification projects and making quality of life improvements that impact the lives of Michiganders who call these places home.
For example, in February 2025, a blighted property in downtown Clawson was approved for a $3.5 million performance-based loan to construct 56 residential units, along with commercial and co-working space. In December 2024, the second floor of the famed City Park Grill in Petoskey was approved for a $566,170 Revitalization and Placemaking grant to support construction of five workforce housing units.
Small Businesses Solutions: Thanks to a network of 27 Small Business Support Hubs throughout the state, 20 SmartZones, and MEDC-supported organizations like the Small Business Development Center, passionate entrepreneurs interested in opening a business and needing assistance can get the help they need to turn ideas into innovation. From Oct. 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025, the MEDC supported small businesses more than 18,400 times.
Talent Attraction and Retention: Keeping Michiganders in the state and welcoming new individuals and families remains a top priority for businesses and communities alike. That’s why the MEDC has a dedicated Talent Solutions division and Talent Action Team working directly with industry leaders and higher education institutions to strengthen our talent pipeline, attract new workers and upskill our workforce. For example, one woman was able to earn eight certifications and start a new skilled career in Grand Ledge thanks to support from the Talent Action Team.
In 2024, the MEDC remodeled and relaunched STEAM Ahead and supported 914 interns across the state, awarded 14 organizations $18 million in strategic investments to support PK-12 career exploration, curriculum development, and retaining tech and engineering talent through The Michigander Scholars program, and engaged with 15,000 PK-12 students with hands-on career exploration. The MEDC works hand-in-hand with the Michigan Growth Office to execute on the recommendations of the Growing Michigan Together Council and lead the state’s most ambitious population growth effort in its history.
The “Make It in Michigan” strategy drives Team Michigan’s approach to work on what matters most to Michiganders, setting a vision and priorities while leaving space for local leaders to interpret and enact these according to their communities’ own unique needs, and endeavoring to make Michigan the most compelling option for young, talented individuals who have many good paths open to them.
Our strategy embraces what Michigan is already doing well, identifies areas where those efforts could be improved, and builds consensus on a long-term direction to ensure Michigan’s growth and prosperity for years to come. This work has already started, and it is bearing fruit – as seen in Michigan’s climb to 6th place nationally in the CNBC Top States for Business rankings, national recognition for talent-focused programming, and attractiveness for global investment. We are committed to working with partners in every part of the state to fine-tune our course and continue our momentum.
Learn why people and businesses are choosing to Make It in Michigan.
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