|
EGI is helping Michigan communities and industries lead in the future of mobility, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development.
For decades, the Economic Growth Institute has served our region by partnering with industries, communities, and funders to advance manufacturing leadership, strengthen the workforce, and deliver results across Michigan. Our collaborative approach and experience in stewarding programs help us achieve measurable outcomes that support innovation, resilience, and prosperity. |
|
| | Interested in supporting work to catalyze regional growth? Contact us to learn more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
Join the U-M Economic Growth Institute for Elevate Forum 2026 on Thursday, November 5, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the U-M North Campus Research Complex in Ann Arbor.
Our free forum brings together business leaders, manufacturers, community development professionals and partners for practical conversations and connections focused on moving Michigan’s economy forward.
Choose the track that fits your work:
Business Leaders: AI in Action
(Remaining seats are limited to manufacturers only)
Cut through the hype with a clear four-stage adoption roadmap, real manufacturer case studies (quoting, finance, sales), an enterprise scaling guide for autonomous workflows, and a live workshop to build a solution for your actual workflow bottlenecks.
Community Development Professionals: Economic & Talent Strategy
Explore actionable strategies to drive regional growth alongside Michigan’s leading workforce and economic developers.
Whether you're focused on strengthening your business or your community, Elevate Forum is designed to provide practical ideas you can take back and put to work.
Registration is free, and breakfast and lunch are provided. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today. |
|
| | |
Strengthening cross-sector workforce coalitions |
|
| |
The University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute has released Collaborative Capacity in Cross-Sector Workforce Coalitions, a new report offering practical guidance for regional partnerships working to build and sustain workforce pathways.
Drawing on research with all 32 recipients of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge, the report identifies three interconnected capacities that help coalitions implement programs, navigate uncertainty, and sustain impact. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Feedback capacity: Gathering insights across the coalition and translating them into timely, coordinated action Adaptive capacity: Learning quickly, testing new approaches, and adjusting to emerging workforce needs
The report also provides actionable strategies for strengthening partnership networks, creating effective feedback loops, clarifying roles and decision-making, and balancing accountability with local flexibility.
Designed for coalition leaders, employers, education and training providers, workforce agencies, community organizations, funders, and policymakers, the report offers evidence-informed practices for improving execution, accelerating learning, and building long-term regional resilience.
Read Collaborative Capacity in Cross-Sector Workforce Coalitions to explore the findings and practical recommendations. |
|
| | | |
Michigan's automotive suppliers are absorbing some of the biggest industry changes in a generation. For very small companies, adapting can be especially hard — and the financing to retool, requalify, or diversify often comes down to having the right books and legal position in place.
The Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) provides no-cost legal, accounting, and financial services that prepare eligible auto suppliers to access capital — whether you're retooling, requalifying, or diversifying into aerospace, defense, electric vehicle, or clean energy work.
Through MAST-P, eligible companies receive tailored, no-cost support, including: Financial statements, models, and projections a lender will accept Accounting support to improve costing, pricing, and financial practices Financial advisory services to strengthen management and prepare for capital access Legal guidance to identify risks and compliance needs
Your company may be eligible if: You're connected to the automotive supply chain (ICE components, aftermarket supply, or related manufacturing) You're applying for, preparing to apply for, or have already applied for financing from an SSBCI-supported or other small business program You have fewer than 10 employees, or your business is owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (SEDI) or located in a CDFI Investment Area
If you're a very small Michigan auto supplier looking to strengthen your business and access capital, MAST-P can help. For more information, reach out to Kiarra Terry at [email protected], or apply today.
|
|
| | | |
The Michigan Certification Assistance Program (MCAP) is currently being developed to help Michigan manufacturers pursue the certifications and compliance credentials needed to compete for defense and aerospace opportunities.
Through financial assistance and project management support, MCAP reduces the cost and complexity of meeting industry requirements.
Companies interested in participating can complete our interest form to receive updates and learn more.
Click below to express your interest. |
|
| | | |
|
Check out MiTalks, a series of educational webinars focused on the transition of the electric vehicle industry and the resources available to communities. Created as part of the Michigan Vehicle Technology Transition Impact Project (MiVTTP), MiTalk webinars aim to highlight valuable resources within the Michigan ecosystem through progressive dialogue and guest speakers.
MiVTTP helps Michigan communities understand and respond to the impacts of the automotive industry’s transition to electric vehicles by developing community-based action plans, workforce development solutions, and technical assistance. Learn more about MiVTTP.
For more about upcoming MiTalks, subscribe to EGI’s Community email list. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| | |
Emily Aiken serves as a Senior Research Project Manager at EGI. Her work focuses on the relationships and conditions that help people, organizations, and communities collaborate effectively across differences and sectors.
At EGI, Emily has led qualitative research evaluating two American Rescue Plan Act programs: the Good Jobs Challenge and the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Her research examined how coalitions activated their collaborative capacity, coordinated resources, and pursued goals aimed at addressing areas of economic distress.
Before joining EGI, Emily helped organizations deploy and interpret intercultural assessments, specifically the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory (ICS). Using these insights, she helped organizations apply intercultural development and conflict-style frameworks to strengthen their ability to bridge differences.
Emily recently completed her Ph.D. in Leadership and Change at Antioch University. Her doctoral research explored the experiences of exemplary supervisors who promote workplace dignity across social identity differences. Across her work, Emily is guided by a commitment to helping build a bigger “we” through meaningful connections across differences. She believes people should be able to participate in economic and social life under conditions that respect their worth, agency, well-being, and right to healthy environments. She is also interested in how dignity-affirming relationships and institutions may contribute to more resilient, reciprocal, and regenerative forms of economic development.
Emily is grateful to work alongside colleagues and leaders who care deeply about both the quality of EGI’s work and the communities it is meant to serve. Outside of work, she enjoys watching a good murder mystery series, especially the more lighthearted kind. She also coaches her son’s baseball team, channeling the youthful energy towards learning baseball fundamentals and important life skills. When she is not coaching, Emily can be found pulling weeds in the garden, implementing home improvement projects, or planning her next trip.
Connect with Emily on LinkedIn |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | |
|
|
|
|
|
