MACKINAC ISLAND, MI - At the Mackinac Policy Conference, where the state’s top business and political thought leaders gather to discuss driving Michigan’s economy and communities forward, the Michigan Growth Office made three major announcements, including the launch of Make MI Home, a statewide talent retention and attraction program. As part of the program, the Michigan Growth Office is awarding $769,000 in grant funding to five new consortiums across the state. The grantees’ innovative programs will help kick-start population growth. The Growth Office’s total investment to date is $1,430,250, creating 10 brand new programs that will retain and attract a talented workforce statewide. 

Make MI Home is a first-in-the-nation talent retention and attraction program created to support locally tailored strategies that support population growth statewide. Make MI Home was tested as a pilot program last year, receiving 20 applications from regions across the state. Due to its success, the Growth Office cemented Make MI Home into its program offerings this year and received 39 total applications from regions across the state. 

“Michigan is the best place in America to ‘Make It.’ Community-driven initiatives like Make MI Home are essential to our economic development strategy and our state’s continued prosperity and success,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Through this innovative program, the Michigan Growth Office is demonstrating our state’s commitment to growth, talent attraction and community development, while enhancing Michigan’s image and building a strong, equitable economy for all Michiganders.”  

During today’s press conference, the Growth Office also announced Discover Southwest Michigan, a Make MI Home pilot recipient, is officially accepting applications for new residents through its new local talent retention and attraction program. Benefits include housing assistance and free college tuition among others (more details below). As part of Make MI Home’s statewide launch, the Growth Office also unveiled a unique Welcome Program available to recent graduates already located in Michigan and new Michiganders alike. From Michigan’s leadership on childcare and housing to special offers from Michigan businesses, the Welcome Program will help support the local economy while enhancing residents' quality of life.  

“Our top priority is helping more people be their best selves and reach their full potential here in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This nearly $770,000 investment in a new round of Make MI Home grants will power creative ideas to retain residents while growing our economy and our population. It will help organizations like Discover Southwest Michigan invest in down payment assistance, employment help, and even free college tuitions. The time is now, and the opportunities are here. Let’s all keep Standing Tall to help more people make Michigan their home.”  

“I’m incredibly proud of the Make MI Home program. It’s yet another way we’re leading the nation, and a direct reflection of the 10K+ Michiganders who have contributed to this growth effort. The program is designed to put Michigan communities in the driver’s seat, as they launch programs as unique as our places, from Detroit to Traverse City,” said Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe. “We have momentum including growth across 66% of Michigan counties. We’ve also seen more than 42,000 individuals sign-up in the Michigan Career Portal to express their interest in living and working in our great state. Now is the time to put our foot on the accelerator and drive this positive momentum forward. Our people are our greatest asset. Investing in our great opportunities, great places, and efforts to retain and attract talent is the path to shared prosperity and a bright future for all Michiganders.”  

Notably, the City of Detroit’s population grew for the second year in a row, growth in Michigan’s young adult population is accelerating faster than 45 other states, and our state has experienced growth in back-to-back U.S. Census Bureau data releases.  

New Make MI Home Recipients Announced 

Descriptions of each new grantee, program, funding amounts, and consortium partners are listed below.   

City of Detroit ($210,000): The City of Detroit will launch the Detroit Tech Fellowship Program to elevate startup talent in Detroit and help drive the Michigan innovation ecosystem forward. The program will target recent graduates from Michigan universities to scale their startups in Michigan, strengthening Detroit as a hub for AI, biotech, clean energy, smart manufacturing, mobility, and other emerging industries. Participants will benefit from: 

• Access to coworking space  

• Housing support 

• Community and cohort events to network and collaborate with peers and local entrepreneurs  

Partners include: Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, Bamboo, Newlab, and Techtown 

“Detroit has always been a city shaped by innovative ideas and bold founders. The Detroit Tech Fellowship is about backing the next generation of Michigan founders with the capital and community they need to build right here in Detroit,” said Justin Onwenu, Director of Entrepreneurship and Economic Opportunity for the City of Detroit. “From AI and biotech to clean energy and mobility, we’re working to ensure that Michigan founders and startups can start, scale, and thrive. We’re excited by the innovative support and investment through this Make MI Home grant program.” 

K-Connect ($200,000): The Teach Here pilot led by K-Connect in Grand Rapids addresses critical educator shortages in West Michigan by providing a comprehensive support system for aspiring teachers pursuing certification in high-need areas such as secondary STEM education, foreign language instruction, and special education. Participants will receive: 

• Housing or relocation assistance  

• Access to essential wraparound supports including housing navigation, food security, mental health services, and childcare 

• Ongoing mentorship and job placement support  

Partners include: Kent ISD West Michigan Teacher Collaborative and Grand Valley State University 

“Michigan’s future depends on our ability to attract and retain the educators who will shape the next generation,” said Salvador Lopez, K-Connect President. “This grant is more than an investment in our workforce, it’s a commitment to removing the systemic barriers that too often stand in the way of passionate, talented individuals who are ready to serve our students and communities.”   

Michigan Women Forward ($200,000): To effectively support Michigan’s innovation economy, Michigan Women Forward will lead the Founder Forward program, targeting both talent recruitment and retention. Founder Forward will engage founders already based in Michigan who are poised to scale, including entrepreneurs operating in emerging ecosystems, founders ready to expand into growth-stage operations, or innovators who have not yet had access to structured mentorship, funding networks, or ecosystem connectivity. The program will also support high-potential founders and innovation leaders, including those living outside of Michigan and “boomerang” talent with Michigan roots seeking a purpose-driven return. Selected recipients will access: 

• Housing and relocation assistance

• Coworking space

• Mentorship and networking opportunities 

Partners include: Verdigris Group, Femology, and Michigan Central  

The International Center of Greater Flint ($100,000): The International Center of Greater Flint’s Genesee Future Forward program will attract and retain college and university students in Genesee County by connecting them with local employers. The program targets students attending local institutions and those from outside the county with potential to live and work in the region after graduation with skills in high-demand fields like healthcare, education, and science, technology, engineering, and math. Participants will directly receive: 

• Housing or relocation support 

• A package of non-monetary benefits including memberships to local professional organizations 

• Coworking space 

• Guest passes to cultural and recreation spaces 

• Structured networking opportunities to connect with local employers  

Partners include: Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce, Shiawassee Economic Development Partnership, University of Michigan-Flint, Mott Community College, and Kettering University 

"The International Center of Greater Flint is deeply honored to receive this grant, which empowers us to strengthen the fabric of our community by fostering opportunities for the next generation,” said International Center of Greater Flint Executive Director Co-Founder Phyllis Sykes. “Attracting and retaining talented students in Genesee County isn’t just about workforce development — it’s about cultivating a vibrant, connected, and thriving region where young professionals feel valued and supported. This investment reinforces Flint’s reputation as a welcoming hub of innovation, collaboration, and possibility, ensuring that our city continues to be a place where ambition meets opportunity."   

Traverse Connect ($59,000): Traverse Connect will promote retention and attraction of professionals working or relocating to work in the Northwest region, through a robust combination of direct and community-based benefits. Participants will receive:

• Housing assistance, wraparound relocation assistance, and one-on-one sessions with regional ambassadors 

• Community involvement and childcare options 

• Admission to networking events, a coworking membership, passes to artistic and cultural experiences, and tickets to music and theatrical performances   

Partners include: Networks Northwest, Alliance for Economic Success, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, and Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce  

“On behalf of our regional partners in Northwest Michigan, Traverse Connect is excited to be selected by the Michigan Growth Office to receive funds to help retain and attract talent with housing assistance, relocation support, and additional services provided by Michigan’s Creative Coast,” said Warren Call, president and CEO of Traverse Connect. “By lowering the financial barrier to obtaining housing in the region, more people will have the opportunity to choose to make their life and career in Northwest Michigan.”  

For more information about Make MI Home, visit: www.michiganbusiness.org/makemihome   

Applications Now Open for Discover Southwest Michigan’s Make MI Home Program   

As the new round of grantees comes onboard, pilot recipient Discover Southwest Michigan announced that applications are officially open for its innovative program. The group was awarded $100,000 in October 2024 to grow the population in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.   

Their Make MI Home program offers benefits including down payment assistance up to $5,000, spousal job placement assistance, free college tuition at Lake Michigan College, one-on-one assistance for school enrollment help, and more. Valued at $14,000 in savings to eligible future residents, this program directly works to attract a talented workforce in Southwest Michigan.   

“We are thrilled to officially launch Discover Southwest Michigan and begin welcoming new talent to our incredible region. This moment represents the culmination of a powerful partnership with the Growth Office, whose support has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to life,” said Arthur Havlicek, President & CEO of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, the parent organization of Discover Southwest Michigan. “As we work to address Michigan’s population growth challenge, this program provides a meaningful incentive to make Southwest Michigan home. I encourage anyone looking for new opportunities and vibrant communities to apply today and discover all that Southwest Michigan has to offer.”  

Discover Southwest Michigan’s partners include the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, Southwest Michigan First, Lake Michigan College, Berrien Community Foundation, Southwest Michigan Association of Realtors, Whirlpool Corporation, and American Electric Power.    

Visit www.themichiganlife.org/makemihome for more information and to apply.  

Additional Make MI Home programs are listed on the website and will be available soon.   

Statewide Welcome Program 

As part of Make MI Home’s statewide launch, the Growth Office also announced a Welcome Program, available to recent graduates already located in Michigan and new residents alike, designed to help them settle into their communities faster.   

The Welcome Program includes access to Michigan state parks, connections to Michigan programs that enhance the state’s quality of life including free pre-K for every 4-year-old and free community college among others as well as discounts to participating Michigan destinations and small businesses, beginning with Boyne and Bamboo Coworking, with more to come.   

Visit www.themichiganlife.org/makemihome for more information and to register.