Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) awarded a total of $2.5 million in Michigan Industry Cluster Approach 3.0 (MICA 3.0) grants to business groups across the state to address labor shortages.
"These grants are putting Michiganders first by helping innovative employers in high-demand industries address talent shortages across Michigan," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "Together, we can continue leading the future of agriculture, construction, IT, manufacturing, mobility, and so much more as we usher in a new era of prosperity for our families, communities, and small businesses."
Business groups across the state are focused on addressing talent shortages in high-demand industries such as agriculture, construction, energy, healthcare, hospitality and tourism, information technology, manufacturing or mobility.
"Supporting the convening of industry representatives and their critical partners will help Michigan create innovative solutions to address the state's diverse talent needs," said Stephanie Beckhorn, director of LEO's Office of Employment and Training.
LEO awarded funds to 11 organizations throughout Michigan:
Grant Awardee
Industry
Grant Amount
Focus: HOPE
Manufacturing
$250,000
Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit
Multi-Industry
$249,660
IMPART Alliance
Healthcare
$249,914
Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance
Manufacturing
$220,000
Michigan Energy Workforce Development Consortium
Energy
$249,137
Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association
Hospitality
$140,509
Michigan Works! Region 7B
Manufacturing
$240,780
Michigan Works! West Central
Public Safety
$150,000
Traverse City Center for Entrepreneurship
Information Technology
$250,000
United Way of Genesee County
Manufacturing
$250,000
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!
Manufacturing/Healthcare
$250,000
Total Dollar Amount of Grants Awarded
$2,500,000
With support of LEO, these organizations are bringing together employers, education and training institutions, workforce development organizations and other applicable partners such as economic development organizations and government to fill talent gaps.
MICA 3.0 funding supports activities that help employers address critical workforce needs. These activities include, but are not limited to, talent recruitment; creating customized training programs including registered apprenticeships; providing support services, such as transportation and childcare; financial planning education; and success coaching to enhance retention and career mobility.
Learn more about the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach at www.Michigan.gov/MICA.
