Last week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive to improve the State of Michigan’s contracting process by increasing business opportunities for Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBEs) to contract with the state. Under this executive directive, 20 percent of total expenditures from state departments and agencies will go to GDBEs beginning in Fiscal Year 2023-24. GDBEs include Michigan firms owned and operated in underutilized and underserved areas like small towns and inner cities. Watch this webinar hosted by MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) team to learn more about how to do business with the State of Michigan. Stay tuned for new opportunities from MEDC as information becomes available.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer released her fifth executive budget recommendation that makes investments to support the success of Michigan students and teachers, improve the state’s infrastructure, better the health of residents, protect natural resources, and expand opportunity for families, communities, and businesses. The governor’s budget plan includes funding centered on economic development, community revitalization, and placemaking efforts across the state, as well as funding for Pure Michigan.

Austin Hill began Detroit-based Austin Logistics in 2018 when he was 18 years old. Becoming an entrepreneur was something Hill knew he wanted for himself, his family and his community, but he wasn’t sure where to begin. After learning about government contracting from a podcast, Hill was inspired to start a business. By attending a Southfield Sourcing Summit in October 2021, hosted by MEDC’s PMBC team, Austin Logistics secured three contracts with the City of Southfield. Those first contracts eventually led to the contracts the company secured with the Department of the U.S. Army and the City of Detroit.

Hear the latest episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast featuring Faris Alami, Founder & CEO, International Strategic Management Inc. (ISM, Inc.). Alami joins host Ed Clemente as they discuss his unique background and career. ISM, Inc. works in five practice areas that weave together including entrepreneurship, global leadership, community, technology, and education with the goal of cultivating the next generation of culturally diverse global leaders and entrepreneurs. ISM, Inc. has worked with 44 universities, 61 countries, delivered 2,200 training sessions, and assisted with 10,000 youth entrepreneurs.

• Feb. 16: LEO Webinar: Mental Health in the Workplace
• Feb. 23: How to Grow Your Business in a Recession with Comerica Bank
• Feb. 27: Michigan Manufacturers Cyber Initiative
• March 1: Michigan Distilling Grain Summit
• March 1: LeadHer-Ship Women in Business-HerStory Luncheon
• April 4-5: CCAT Global Symposium
• April 20: Making it in Michigan Conference and Trade Show
• Michigan SBDC Events Listing

Michigan Economic Development Corporation helps to connect businesses to new resources, meet new partners and access the additional capital they need from the start. If your business needs support to reach its full potential, the MEDC is available to help. Visit michiganbusiness.org/small-business to find customized business assistance.

Looking for a career in economic development? Want to be part of a team that’s driving Michigan forward? View career opportunities at the MEDC.