Highlighting the vital role registered apprenticeships play in supporting both employers who need skilled talent and Michigan’s workers who gain skills toward rewarding careers, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declares November 15-21 as Michigan Apprenticeship Week. The governor is encouraging Michiganders to consider earning while learning through a paid registered apprenticeship program.

MEDC’s International Trade and Development Internship program supports exporters with university student recruitment, training and wage reimbursement so companies can better focus on export expansion. Companies statewide dedicated to increasing export sales are invited to apply to the program, which provides 50% reimbursement of student wages, up to $3,600. The program features a coinciding training component to bolster internship outcomes for both companies and students. Applications are due December 3.

MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect program is partnering with the Detroit Regional Chamber to host a virtual buyer-supplier matchmaking event on Wednesday, December 15 as a part of the DRC Racial Justice and Economic Equity (RJEE) initiative aimed at helping Michigan diversity-owned businesses of all sizes succeed. The event will provide suppliers an opportunity to learn how they can access procurement opportunities with banking/financial services organizations in the state, along with resources available through diversity and economic development partners. Suppliers interested in meeting with buyers in one-on-one meetings to discuss procurement opportunities should apply by November 30.

The Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification’s Michigan Mobility Funding Platform provides grants to mobility and electrification companies looking to deploy their technology solutions in the state of Michigan. In addition to applying directly for an MMFP grant, Michigan-based entities experiencing a mobility/electrification challenge or companies providing a mobility technology solution and seeking a Michigan partner can now complete an interest form online. Whether seeking solutions or providing solutions, the MMFP aims to connect companies in the state’s mobility ecosystem.

The Michigan Business Network aims to amplify the voice of small businesses in Michigan and provide data to guide decisions of business advocacy organizations and policymakers. Completing the Michigan Future Business Index Survey will allow MBN to forecast potential changes in the market.

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 new potential, the MEDC is available to help. Visit michiganbusiness.org/pure-partnership to find customized business assistance.

Access COVID-19 resources for businesses and communities by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19. Read more about programs supporting economic recovery for Michigan businesses by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19response.