With a rich history in manufacturing and innovation, Michigan is poised to be a guiding hand as the world’s needs for semiconductor technology continue to evolve in the 21st century. Michigan’s demonstrated leadership in advanced manufacturing within the semiconductor field is evident in companies with a longstanding presence in the state, such as Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation, who recently announced plans to invest $375 million and create 170 jobs at its facilities in Thomas Township. Also, semiconductor wafer manufacturer SK Siltron recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of its $300 million facility with Governor Whitmer on Sept. 1.

The Global Epicenter of Mobility Coalition was one of 21 winners of the $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge, the most impactful regional economic development competition in decades. Funded by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, the Regional Challenge is awarding approximately $52.2 million in grants to the Global Epicenter of Mobility Coalition, led by the Detroit Regional Partnership Foundation, to transform the Detroit area’s legacy automotive industry into a highly competitive advanced mobility cluster.

A recent episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast features Roderick A. Hardamon, CEO & Chief Strategist of URGE Imprint and CEO of URGE Development Group. Hardamon joins host Ed Clemente as he navigates us through the fast-growing world of placekeeping with his global business acumen. With a global focus, Hardamon has been involved in over $50 billion in transactions in over a dozen countries including the U.S., Ireland, the Netherlands, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, China, and India. He is a very creative strategist in real estate and placekeeping, and he explains what that means to him. You can also read the transcript from the conversation.

Join us Thursday, Sept. 15 from 12-2 p.m. for the MI STEM Meet-UP as we showcase the MI STEM Forward Internship Program and connect upcoming talent with innovative companies throughout Michigan. The Meet-UP will provide both business and talent an opportunity to meet and network while showcasing all the innovation happening in Michigan. The MI STEM Forward Internship Program is operated by Ann Arbor SPARK and made possible through a MEDC-provided grant that offers financial support to companies hiring STEM interns. Participating companies are encouraged to complete an application and submit job descriptions in advance of the event here. 

MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect, Southwest Michigan First and a group of regional partners are hosting the Southwest Michigan Buyer-Supplier Meet and Match on Oct. 19 to connect Michigan suppliers to purchasing organizations for procurement opportunities. The event will include presentations on how to do business with participating buyers, networking and pre-scheduled one-on-one buyer-supplier meetings. Registration for general attendance will be open until Oct. 12. A supplier application is required for those interested in being considered for one-on-one meetings. The deadline to submit a supplier application is Sept. 16.

The Office of Future Mobility and Electrification and Michigan Department of Transportation have partnered to launch the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) aimed at providing vital grant funding to mobility and electrification companies of all sizes looking to deploy their technology in Michigan. Check out the MMFP website by clicking the link below to find out more information about eligibility for testing environments and real-world deployments, as well as past grant recipients. The current rolling application period ends Dec. 31, 2022.

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.

MEDC continues to support businesses and communities across the state. Learn more about our economic and recovery resources currently available or read more about the impact our programs are having and our COVID-19 response.