Whitmer announces $2.5M awarded to business groups to address labor shortages

Michigan 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 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: 

• 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

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.

To learn more about the Michigan Industry Cluster Approach, visit www.Michigan.gov/MICA.