The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has been awarded a $3.33 million Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support the continued reopening of Michigan’s economy and to mitigate workforce disruptions related to the ongoing pandemic. Together, these funds will support temporary workers in assisting with the state’s COVID-19 response efforts, provide improved access to reemployment services through the state’s workforce system and will support those workers whose jobs have been eliminated during the pandemic.

Bipartisan legislation was introduced this week to make current military personnel, veterans and their dependents eligible for license reciprocity in Michigan. Servicemembers will be eligible if they hold a valid occupational license in another state, are in good standing with no pending disciplinary action, and demonstrate competency in their profession through education, training and/or work experience. Currently, veterans are eligible for initial license, registration, or application fee waivers for professional occupations regulated under the Occupational Code and the Skilled Trades Regulation Act. This legislation will expand present fee waivers under the law to include dependents of veterans and those on Active Duty.

Michigan has been ranked as the no. 3 state and Detroit as the no. 1 metropolitan area in the nation for foreign direct investment projects, according to new rankings just announced by Site Selection magazine. Home to more than 1,400 foreign companies with more than 5,000 locations throughout the state, Michigan remains a premier gateway for businesses from around the world to expand. By matching established and diverse industries with foreign companies that have similar goals, Michigan has recorded $11.3 billion in foreign direct investment since 2015 within several key industries, including automotive component and automotive OEMs. To see why foreign companies are choosing Michigan, visit michiganbusiness.org/why-michigan/fdi/.

Navigating the world of investment capital can be complicated. Join DBusiness and MEDC leadership on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. EST for an interactive webinar where you’ll learn how pre-seed and other funding sources in Michigan operate and insider tips on successfully attracting investors. Hear from Michigan business professionals who will share information about programs, strategies for success and answer questions from the audience.

Access additional 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.

Visit michigan.gov/coronavirus to find other valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities.