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Economic & Community Development

New Opportunity! Forest Bioeconomy Trade and Study Mission to Finland!

An outbound trade and study mission to Finland, being held from May 21-26, 2023, is being designed to connect businesses, research institutions, and other professional organizations to advance our forest bioeconomy collaboration! Applications to participate in this exciting opportunity are being accepted now through March 1, 2023, but spaces are limited.

Learn how to join the Forest Bioeconomy Trade and Study Mission to Finland!

 Grow Your Business

Whether you already have a food, agriculture or forest products business and are looking to expand, or are interested in starting or relocating to Michigan our Economic/Community Development team is here to help businesses figure out how to do just that. In conjunction with various partners and service providers, the Economic/Community Development Program connects Michigan businesses with a variety of programs and services.

Don't see what you need here? Contact the Economic Development Program at MDARD-AgD@Michigan.gov.

Our Services

Business Planning

Looking to start an agricultural business? Let our team help you!

Financial Resources

Find grants and funding opportunities available to you!

Starting a Farm

There's more to farming than just the field. See more info here!

Food Processing

Want to be a food processor? We have resources for you!

Map of Michigan displaying what counties fall within each economic development region.

Statewide Contacts

Site Selection

Jodi Gruner

Forest Products

Donna LaCourt

International Marketing Program

Elizabeth Smith

Jamie Zmitko-Somers

Nate Engle

Michigan Regions

Region 1 - Upper Peninsula

Donna LaCourt

Region 2 - Northwest

Jodi Gruner

Region 3 - Northeast

Donna LaCourt

Region 4 - West

Jodi Gruner

Region 5 - East Central

Kevin Kuhl

Region 6 - East

Kevin Kuhl

Region 7 - South Central

Kevin Kuhl

Region 8 - Southwest

Jodi Gruner

Region 9 - Southeast

Terri Barker

Region 10 - Detroit Metro/Wayne/Oakland/Macomb

Terri Barker

Meet the Economic Development Team

Jodi Gruner

Jodi Gruner

517-243-8046

Connect with Jodi Today!
Donna LaCourt

Donna LaCourt

517-614-5518

Connect with Donna Today!
Terri Barker

Terri Barker

517-331-5272

Connect with Terri Today!
Kevin Kuhl

Kevin Kuhl

517-512-0369

Connect with Kevin Today!