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 delivered real economic value for Michigan, partnering with industry, communities, and funders to advance manufacturing leadership, strengthen the workforce, and drive results across the state. Our collaborative approach and strong track record in stewarding programs helps us deliver impact and measurable outcomes that support American innovation, resilience, and prosperity. |
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| | Interested in supporting work to catalyze regional growth? Contact us to learn more. |
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The University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute is hosting its third annual Elevate Forum, bringing together businesses, community leaders, and economic development partners to explore insights and resources that support workforce development, strategic planning, and business growth - turning insight into impact.
Thursday, October 22, 2026
University of Michigan North Campus Research Complex (NCRC)
2800 Plymouth Rd, Building 18, Ann Arbor, MI
Registration coming soon
There is no fee to attend, but space will be limited.
Limited sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, contact Jani Hatchett at [email protected]. |
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Michigan manufacturers are navigating significant changes, and for very small suppliers, adapting can be especially challenging. The Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P), funded through a federal small business initiative and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, helps manufacturers with fewer than 10 employees explore new opportunities, strengthen operations, and diversify into growing industries—at no cost.
Through MAST-P, eligible companies receive tailored support from legal, accounting, and financial professionals, including: Legal guidance to identify risks and compliance needs Accounting support to improve costing, pricing, and financial practices Financial advisory services to strengthen management and prepare for capital access
Services are delivered through a coordinated network of trusted Michigan partners and are fully grant funded.
Eligible companies must be located in one of five counties: Kent County, Lapeer County, Macomb County, Oakland County, or Wayne County.
If you are a very small Michigan manufacturer looking to grow or diversify, MAST-P can help. For more information reach out to Kiarra Terry at [email protected] or Apply today. |
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| | | | Cybersecurity compliance is a growing challenge for small and medium manufacturers. The University of Michigan is currently exploring a potential cybersecurity compliance training offering and is conducting a needs assessment to better understand what training resources would be most valuable to manufacturers like yours.
We invite you to share your perspective through a short survey (5-10 minutes). Your input will directly inform the design of potential future training opportunities developed specifically for Michigan manufacturers.
Take a few minutes to share your input:
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The University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center (EVC)’s EV Workforce Portal is now live! This new portal serves as a hub for EV-related training programs, workforce resources, and funding opportunities.
It was developed in response to employer feedback that resources can feel scattered and time-consuming to navigate. With the portal, manufacturers, suppliers, and workforce development professionals can more easily identify options to hire, upskill, and retain talent, while also connecting to grants and incentives that may help cover costs.
The portal also includes a user submission feature, allowing members of Michigan’s EV ecosystem to contribute programs and share updates.
To explore the portal and learn more, click the button below! 👇 |
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GEM has developed a new organizations and events tool to support collaboration and connection across Southeast Michigan. This resource helps highlight regional partners and upcoming opportunities in one place. |
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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. |
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Through support from U-M’s MHealthy grant, the EGI team recently participated in a professional development and wellness-focused team day. The time was used to strengthen collaboration, invest in team growth, and build on the skills that support our work with clients and partners.
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The Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium (MDRC) supports Michigan small and medium-sized manufacturers with technical assistance and strategic guidance to help them explore opportunities in energy storage and battery supply chains. Learn more. |
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| | | | Jani Hatchett
EGI Staff Member |
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Jani Hatchett began her journey with the Economic Growth Institute in 2018 as a temporary team member supporting a NIST-funded project focused on technology commercialization for APLU schools. She later supported the Defense Contract Audit Program (DCAP) and officially joined the Great Lakes Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (GLTAAC) in November 2019.
At EGI, Jani serves as the outreach Program and Information Manager (PIM) for GLTAAC, where she connects with small- to mid-sized manufacturers across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, helping them access resources and support long-term growth.
Growing up in a blue-collar environment, Jani developed an early appreciation for manufacturing and the role it plays in supporting communities. She values the opportunity to work with a wide range of companies, building long-term relationships and helping businesses navigate challenges and plan for the future.
Before joining EGI, Jani built a background in entrepreneurship. A University of Michigan graduate from the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), she launched and sold a duct-cleaning company while still a student and later built and sold a reputation management company. These experiences continue to shape her approach to supporting businesses with a focus on sustainable growth.
Jani was introduced to EGI through a neighbor who encouraged her to apply, a connection she remains grateful for.
Outside of work, Jani enjoys exploring her interest in chemistry through creative projects such as making soaps, lotions, and perfumes for family and friends. She is also actively involved in her community, fundraising for food banks in the greater metro Detroit area and supporting the Ypsilanti Secret Santa Society, which helps provide holiday gifts for families in need.
Her advice to students: work from the heart, love what you do, and listen intently. Go Blue. |
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| | | Alex Milojevic
EGI Student |
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| EGI Student Alex Milojevic |
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| Alexander Milojevic was born right in Ann Arbor and grew up in Northville, Michigan, where he attended Northville High School. Now a junior at the University of Michigan, he is majoring in Economics with a Ross Business minor, with coursework focused on finance, Federal Reserve policy, and antitrust economics.
Since joining the Economic Growth Institute, Alex has supported the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium and the Department of Energy Playbook Program. His work has included business analysis and strategic planning to strengthen Michigan’s defense industrial base, as well as market trend and cost analysis to help automotive manufacturers expand and transition into the EV space, always with an emphasis on process improvement and long-term, sustainable growth for clients.
One of his favorite experiences has been accompanying his project manager on client visits in downtown Detroit, where touring manufacturing facilities offered a firsthand look at the innovation EGI helps support. Alex says EGI has been an ideal way to apply classroom theory in a real-world setting, sharpening his financial, accounting, and strategic skills.
Looking ahead, Alex will intern this summer in corporate finance. Longer term, he is considering corporate finance or economic consulting and hopes to attend law school with a focus on antitrust law. Outside of work, he is co-president of the Michigan Journal of Economics and enjoys playing the trumpet, learning languages, and working on cars.
Connect with Alex on LinkedIn |
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