LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity awarded a total of $2.5 million in Michigan Industry Cluster Approach 3.0 grants to business groups across the state to address labor shortages.
State officials announced the grants in a news release Friday.
“These grants are putting Michiganders first by helping innovative employers in high-demand industries address talent shortages across Michigan,” Whitmer said. “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.”
“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.
Eleven organizations across the state received these grants:
| 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 |
Funding supports activities like talent recruitment, creating customized training programs including apprenticeships, providing support services like transportation and child care, financial planning education and success coaching to enhance retention and career mobility.
