Michigan Business Beat | Jonathan Smith, LEO - MI Hub for Manufacturers - Support Manufacturers

Originally uploaded June 27th, reloaded July 15th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes back Jonathan Smith, Senior Chief Deputy Director for LEO, Michigan's Labor and Economic Opportunity Department. What is the MI Hub for Manufacturers and how will it directly support small and mid-sized manufacturers in Michigan as they navigate the clean energy transition and global market changes? The platform is described as a digital front door—can you walk us through how a manufacturer might use the Hub to access resources, funding or expert guidance? How does the MI Hub for Manufacturers align with Michigan’s broader economic and workforce goals? What kind of impact do you hope to see from this initiative—both for manufacturers and for the communities they support? MI Hub for Manufacturers Puts Michigan in the driver’s seat, helps businesses navigate economic, technological and global trade shifts The Hub is made possible by $1.5 million in support from philanthropy and a partnership with Next Street, a national small business and supplier solutions company Michigan is a top 10 state for clean energy jobs, leads the nation for total jobs in advanced materials and has the fastest-growing workforce for energy-efficient HVAC and renewable heating and cooling DETROIT, Mich. — Today, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s (LEO) Community & Worker Economic Transition Office brought together the private and public sectors at the New Center Stamping plant in Detroit to launch the MI Hub for Manufacturers. Acting as a digital front door, the MI Hub for Manufacturers equips small- and mid-sized manufacturing businesses with the tools they need to modernize operations, stay competitive amidst industry changes and put Michigan in the driver’s seat of the growing clean energy economy. “Michigan has always been a place where big ideas are built and we’re doubling down to make sure our manufacturers are ready to lead the world into a clean energy future,” said Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. “The MI Hub for Manufacturers is more than just an investment in advanced technology — it’s an investment in people, in communities and in a more prosperous Michigan. By helping our manufacturers adopt cutting-edge practices and clean energy solutions, we’re keeping production and jobs here at home while positioning Michigan as a global leader in innovation, sustainability and inclusive economic growth.” The MI Hub for Manufacturers is the result of a statewide public-private partnership led by the State of Michigan in collaboration with industry associations, economic development organizations and business support providers. With $1.5 million in support from philanthropy and a partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Next Street, a national small business and supplier solutions company, this dynamic, interactive online platform will publish funding opportunities, connect businesses to expert advisors and capital products, provide on-demand digital learning tools and host partner resources that can help suppliers diversify and grow to enter new supply chains. “The MI Hub for Manufacturers is about helping small to medium-sized businesses grow, compete, and thrive in a changing economy,” said Jonathan Smith, Michigan Community & Worker Economic Transition Office director. “By making it easier for them to access resources, funding, and expert support we’re building a stronger, more resilient future for Michigan’s manufacturing sector and workforce.” The MI Hub for Manufacturers will create a more resilient automotive and manufacturing sector in Michigan by helping businesses navigate today’s economic, technological and global trade shifts — from supply chain disruptions to tariff pressures and electric vehicle transitions. By supporting manufacturing businesses through transition, Michigan is laying the groundwork for long-term growth, resilience and job creation across the state. ###