Amy Rencher

Amy Rencher, SVP of Small Business and Talent at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, breaks down how Michigan supports entrepreneurs across all 83 counties through local partner networks, access-to-capital programs, and place-based initiatives. She explains what makes Detroit’s ecosystem distinct, how SmartZones and Small Business Support Hubs connect founders to resources, and why one-on-one technical assistance still matters most. The conversation also covers Industry 4.0, supply chain resilience, and what Michigan is prioritizing for small business growth over the next few years.