Request for Proposals for MICA 3.0 Initiative
LANSING, Mich.– The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has released a competitive Request for Proposals to develop and launch the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach 3.0 (MICA 3.0) initiative. There is $2.5 million available to fund grant awards to support the development of a new, or the revitalization of an existing employer-led collaborative.
Successful applicants must be focused on the creation of opportunities in agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, hospitality, information technology, manufacturing or mobility, in professional and skilled trades. LEO anticipates funding 10-15 awardees, ranging from $150,000 to $250,000 each.
An employer-led collaborative is a group of businesses coming together to solve a common or shared workforce problem. Employer-led collaboratives bring together employers, education and training institutions, workforce development organizations and other applicable partners such as economic development organizations and government, to create solutions to fill identified talent gaps.
There are currently more than 60 formally identified employer-led collaboratives throughout Michigan. LEO creates statewide policy and provides technical assistance to support employer-led collaborative activities.
Request for Proposal submissions are due by September 21, 2021, with awards announced on November 17, 2021. To assist applicants in completing their proposal submissions, an informational webinar will be held on August 25 at 9 a.m. Potential grant applicants can register to attend the webinar and learn more about this RFP opportunity by visiting Michigan.gov/MICA.
Sector Strategies
Office of Employment and Training – Workforce Development
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
