MEDC’s Federal Match Program is designed to support Michigan businesses by matching or cost-sharing funds to increase their competitiveness when applying for federal funding opportunities. Eligible opportunities must be related to and align with MEDC’s strategic focus industries and guiding principles. They must also target an advanced technology sector of our strategic focus industries with the goal of developing and commercializing new products or processes to grow and secure the technology sector. The federal opportunity must require matching funds and must not be part of the SBIR/STTR program. Eligible for-profit or nonprofit companies should submit the Federal Match Program application, which will be available on this webpage in February 2022.

The Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved guidelines for two new programs this week – the Strategic Site Readiness Program and the Critical Industry Program – which will provide MEDC with competitive and flexible economic development tools to secure transformational business retention and attraction projects and provide a historic opportunity for growth across the state.

From manufacturing and healthcare to research, engineering and design, Michigan’s collection of world-class talent is among the top reasons why companies are choosing to locate and expand in the state. Michigan was recognized recently by Site Selection magazine as a top state for workforce development according to its 2022 Regional Workforce Development Rankings report.

Ann Arbor-based Autaza is working to eliminate potentially costly mistakes in the quality control process by using artificial intelligence and cameras to detect dirt, bubbles, scratches or other defects in the paint on vehicles and other surfaces. In doing so, the company is pivoting its human inspection jobs to more high-skill level, advanced manufacturing careers. Autaza is the first company to receive funding from the state of Michigan’s Industry 4.0 Accelerator, a collaboration between Automation Alley, Lean Rocket Lab and Lawrence Technological University’s Centrepolis Accelerator.

The newest episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast features Charlie Tyson, technology activations manager for MEDC’s Office of Future Mobility and Electrification. Join Tyson and host Ed Clemente to get a firsthand account of the many activities at the Consumer Electronics Show and how it creates multiple benefits for the Michigan economy. You will hear about the fast-moving mobility sector, autonomous vehicles, electrification platforms and what Michigan companies are there. You can also read the transcript from the conversation.

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.