Launched in June 2025, the MI Hub for Manufacturers is a one-stop shop for connecting Michigan businesses to events, resources, training and funding

Lansing, 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. 

“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.” 

In just three months following the official launch of the MI Hub for Manufacturers, the platform now offers Michigan manufacturing companies the following: 

Resources available on the platform currently include $17 million in grants and loans as well as access to advisors, tools, training and quarterly events. 
Guidance to help manufacturers apply for timely funding and training opportunities, including the upcoming Michigan Supplier Conversion Grant Program and the Going PRO Talent Fund. 
New 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. 
A new and improved landing page, email verification process and streamlined onboarding experience to help manufacturers navigate the platform. 
A 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.    

The 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.   

“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.”   

The 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.     

The 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.     

The 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.      

Learn more at Michigan.gov/EconomicTransition.