 | Informing & Transforming Tomorrow's Economy |
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The Economic Growth Institute has provided innovative economic development programming and applied research for 40 years. |
| |  | What’s happening at the Economic Growth Institute
EGI recently celebrated the success of its second Elevate Forum at the University of Michigan’s North Campus Research Complex, where over 150 industry experts, community leaders, and economic development organizations gathered to exchange insights and forge connections. This vibrant event focused on innovative strategies to drive business growth and community resilience across Michigan.
For Michigan-based defense contractors, time is running out to use up to $22,500 in funding through the CyberSmart program. Funding must be used by the end of August. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity measures! EGI also continues to bolster manufacturing sectors through programs like the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium (MDRC) and the Supply Chain Transformation Center (STC).
EGI's community team is busy helping communities plan and foster economic resilience, including their recent work with the village of Romeo, Michigan. Faced with economic challenges due to a major plant closure, the team provided essential research, strategic planning, and project implementation support.
We are also sharing stories about our team and students, including Chelsea Gilbert, an EGI Project Manager who exemplifies a commitment to economic development and community service, and Adam Solomon, a multi-talented student pursuing interests in music and economic development. |
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|  | Elevate Forum Delivers New Ideas, Resources, and Connections for Business and Community Development
The Economic Growth Institute held its second Elevate Forum at the University of Michigan’s North Campus Research Complex. The daylong event brought together a mix of industry experts, community leaders, and economic development organizations for a day filled with insightful discussions with dedicated networking opportunities.
This year’s event, built upon the success of the first Elevate Forum at UM’s Detroit Center, offered a rich agenda discussing issues at the intersection of business growth and community development. Bringing together over 150 participants, the forum highlighted innovative strategies to elevate business practices and spur economic resilience in communities across Michigan and beyond.
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| Interested in up to $22,500 to improve your business’s cybersecurity?
The Michigan Defense CyberSmart Program is helping Michigan-based defense contractors implement critical cybersecurity improvements. Phase 2 provides funding to help businesses close cybersecurity gaps and achieve NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 2 compliance, a requirement for working with the Department of Defense.
Time is running out! Funding ends August 31, 2025.
Program Details
Eligibility Requirements Registered in System for Award Management (SAM) In good standing with the State of Michigan Completed Phase 1 or participated in DCAP Current DoD contractor or subcontractor
If qualified, a business can contract with a pre-approved vendor who will provide expertise to ensure the business complies with updated Department of Defense cybersecurity regulations.
For more information on the program, reach out to Brooke Sweeney at [email protected]. |
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| A Community-Driven Path to Economic Resilience |
|  | The Village of Romeo, Michigan, partnered with EGI for research services, strategic planning, and project implementation support in response to recent economic challenges. With manufacturing as the community’s largest industry by employment and GDP, the closure of a Ford engine plant left Romeo particularly vulnerable to economic disruption.
With support from the EGI team, Romeo initiated a strategic collaboration with a consulting firm to advance a Central Business District attraction strategy. This project exemplifies how locally driven solutions can drive community development and economic resilience! |
| | |  | Funding Available for Companies inBattery Manufacturing and Energy Storage |
| Are you a Michigan small to medium size company looking to grow and innovate? The Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium (MDRC) offers technical assistance, funding, and assessments to help you enter the Department of Defense’s energy storage and battery supply chain.
MDRC Provides Deep Dive Company Assessment Company Valuation Development of Opportunity Plan Up to $75k in cost-share funds for qualified technical projects
Eligibility Requirements Located in Michigan <500 Employees Financial Stability Critical potential in defense energy storage and battery supply chain
To learn more about the MDRC program, please reach out to Sara Reynolds at [email protected].
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Resources Available for Automotive Manufacturers in Southeast Michigan |
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| EGI's Supply Chain Transformation Center (STC) provides resources and assistance to small and medium-sized manufacturers in the greater Detroit region. Our team will help your business stabilize, transform, grow, and responsibly succeed as the greater Detroit region advances toward the future of mobility.
The STC program provides expertise that prepares businesses for success in the rapidly changing mobility economy. Manufacturers in the greater Detroit region are encouraged to engage with our team to identify leverage points where STC can strengthen and enhance your organization.
To learn more, please contact Kiarra Terry at [email protected].
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EGI Staff Member Chelsea Gilbert |
|  | Chelsea Gilbert is a Project Manager at the University of Michigan's Economic Growth Institute, where she plays a critical role in the Supply Chain Transformation Center (STC). Over the past two years, Chelsea has been dedicated to supporting manufacturers and fostering connections within the automotive industry.
Chelsea is passionate about learning from the diverse companies she assists. Without a prior manufacturing background, she finds joy in engaging seasoned professionals and learning about their unique processes and products. This exchange of knowledge not only enriches her understanding but also strengthens her connection with clients—a vital component of her role.
Chelsea was drawn to EGI by its mission to promote economic growth and support resilience in communities and companies. Her academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, a secondary focus in Astrophysics, and a language citation in German from Harvard University. Before joining EGI, she honed her project management expertise at an environmental home monitoring tech startup.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Chelsea is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers weekly in Detroit, distributing food to those facing food insecurity, and dedicates time in the spring to coach high school girls in shot put and discus. Chelsea is an avid quilter and reader, enjoys traveling, and cherishes moments spent with friends.
The EGI team also counts on Chelsea for updates on celestial events. Chelsea’s favorite advice for students working at EGI is to embrace curiosity: "Don't be afraid to ask questions or try new ideas—no one has all the answers, and we're all learning."
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| | |  | Adam Solomon is a double major at the University of Michigan, graduating in April 2025, studying Jazz & Contemporary Improvisation and Economics. He was drawn to the University of Michigan for its unique combination of world-class music and academic programs.
Adam joined EGI to deepen his understanding of comprehensive community engagement around industry transitions, particularly in the context of environmental impacts. At EGI, he supports the Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project, contributing research and data support for community engagement. Adam finds meaning in applying policy principles to real-world work. He has helped analyze and manage data, develop community engagement approaches, and participated in public engagement sessions, most notably in Flint, where he gained firsthand experience hearing directly from community members. These experiences have reinforced the importance of active listening and thoughtful communication in environmental policy work.
Throughout his time at EGI, Adam has expanded on lessons from his coursework, learning how to communicate effectively with diverse teams and external stakeholders. He appreciates the collaborative nature of EGI’s team and the opportunity to strengthen his community-focused research and outreach skills.
After graduation, Adam plans to work as a sustainability and climate change researcher, helping local communities develop climate action plans and track greenhouse gas emissions.
Outside of academics and work, Adam is an avid musician. He plays trumpet, composes, and hopes to explore music production. He also enjoys hiking, traveling, and listening to music. |
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