Lansing, MI – The Michigan Growth Office is awarding $769,000 in grant funding to five new consortiums across the state in the latest round of funding from Make MI Home, a first-in-the-nation talent retention and attraction program created to support locally tailored strategies that support population growth statewide. 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.
“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.”
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 tuition. 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:
City of Detroit ($210,000)
K-Connect ($200,000):
Michigan Women Forward ($200,000):
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.”
and Traverse Connect ($59,000):
For more information about Make MI Home, visit: michiganbusiness.org/makemihome
About the Michigan Growth Office
Established in 2024, the Michigan Growth Office is tasked with implementing the state’s blueprint for growth, a comprehensive strategy put forth by the Growing Michigan Together Council to retain and attract talent. The office builds on the council’s recommendations by engaging Michiganders in the effort, launching pilots and programs to spark growth and leading storytelling, research and policy initiatives. Together, these efforts all help to grow Michigan’s population.
