On Dec. 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development program announced it is accepting grant applications to advance equity by creating new opportunities in distressed rural communities. The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program provides grants of up to $2 million to consortiums of local governments, investors, industry, institutions of higher education, and other public and private entities in rural areas. Funding may be used to support innovation centers and job accelerator programs that improve the ability of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs, form new businesses, and identify and maximize local assets. Potential applicants should submit a concept proposal by Feb. 18.

To cap off 2021, MEDC’s Chief Executive Officer Quentin L. Messer, Jr. discusses the historic bipartisan legislation passed by the Michigan Legislature and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer that will significantly advance Michigan’s economic development efforts in 2022. Team Michigan’s approach this year is to continue growing our competitive toolkit to more effectively compete for transformational projects in today’s highly competitive marketplace, which will create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, provide enduring customers for our small businesses, and generate billions of dollars in investment in communities across our state.

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The newest episode of The Michigan Opportunity podcast features Lisa Lunsford, co-Founder and CEO of GS3 Global. Join Lunsford and host Ed Clemente or an energetic discussion about mobility, engineering and leadership. 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.