Economic Growth Institute

08/31/2026

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

Elevate Forum is back — with a new date and specialized tracks!

Join the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute on November 5 for our 3rd annual Elevate Forum, bringing together Michigan’s leaders, innovators, and decision-makers.

This year, choose the track that best fits your goals:

💠 Business Leaders: AI in Action
Explore practical ways to put AI to work, with real-world examples, an adoption roadmap, and a hands-on workshop focused on solving workflow challenges.
💠 Community Development Professionals: Economic & Talent Strategy
Discover actionable strategies for regional growth alongside Michigan’s leading workforce and economic development professionals.

📅 Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 8 AM–2 PM
📍 University of Michigan North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), Ann Arbor

The event is free, and breakfast and lunch are provided. Space is limited, so registration is required.

Learn more and register: https://buff.ly/FJjEcFf

08/04/2026

FREE battery manufacturing training starts next week!

Our partners at SAE International are offering Failure Mode Detection in Battery Manufacturing at no cost to Michigan industry professionals.

Developed as part of the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium (MDRC) Workforce Development initiative, this course is designed to support Michigan's growing battery manufacturing workforce through hands-on learning and industry-informed training.

Failure Mode Detection in Battery Manufacturing
📅 August 11–13, 2026
📍 Detroit, MI
🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/T9nFfmK

If you're involved in battery manufacturing, engineering, testing, materials, quality, or production operations, we encourage you to take advantage of this free training opportunity.

07/28/2026

Have a manufacturing challenge that needs engineering expertise?

The University of Michigan Advanced Manufacturing Institute (UMAMI) Manufacturing Innovation (MI) Fellows Program connects small and medium-sized manufacturers with dedicated U-M student engineering teams to solve real-world technical challenges.

In just 12 weeks, your team can collaborate on projects involving automation, AI for manufacturing, process improvement, product design, and more, all with faculty guidance, access to advanced labs and technical resources, and IP protection.

Investment starts at just $6,000

Learn more in the flyer here: https://buff.ly/v0xgc93

And submit your project or technical challenge here:https://buff.ly/tOxVEfp

07/22/2026

Michigan manufacturers with fewer than 10 employees are invited to learn how the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) can help businesses explore new opportunities, strengthen operations, and diversify into growing industries through no-cost legal, accounting, and financial support.

Join us tomorrow!

📅 Thursday, July 23
🕣 8:30 AM ET – Wayne County
🕛 12:00 PM ET – Macomb County

Choose the session that's most convenient for you and learn how MAST-P can support your business.

➡️ Register today: https://buff.ly/LvMjoK1

07/21/2026

Michigan manufacturers with fewer than 10 employees are invited to learn how the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) can help businesses explore new opportunities, strengthen operations, and diversify into growing industries through no-cost legal, accounting, and financial support.

Join us tomorrow!

📅 Wednesday, July 22
🕣 8:30 AM ET – Kent County
🕛 12:00 PM ET – Oakland County

Choose the session that's most convenient for you and learn how MAST-P can support your business.

➡️ Register today: https://buff.ly/DfynurL

07/14/2026

Looking to expand your battery manufacturing knowledge?

Our partners at SAE International are offering Failure Mode Detection in Battery Manufacturing at no cost to Michigan industry professionals.

Developed as part of the Michigan Defense Resiliency Consortium (MDRC) Workforce Development initiative, this course is designed to support Michigan's growing battery manufacturing workforce through hands-on learning and industry-informed training.

Failure Mode Detection in Battery Manufacturing
📅 August 11–13, 2026
📍 Detroit, MI
🔗 Register: https://buff.ly/H9Urzwb

If you're involved in battery manufacturing, engineering, testing, materials, quality, or production operations, we encourage you to take advantage of this free training opportunity.

06/30/2026

Save the date for Elevate Forum 2026, hosted by the Economic Growth Institute at the University of Michigan!

Join us for the third annual forum, bringing together businesses, community leaders, and economic development partners to explore insights and resources that support workforce development, strategic planning, and business growth.

Date:
Thursday, October 22, 2026

Location:
University of Michigan North Campus Research Complex (NCRC)
2800 Plymouth Rd, Building 18
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Interested in supporting Elevate Forum 2026 as a sponsor? Contact Jani Hatchett at [email protected] to learn more.

Additional Information:
Attendance is free, but registration will be required and space is limited.
Additional event details and the agenda will be announced soon.

06/24/2026

EGI’s Director of Community Development, Carmen Wells Quigg, was recently featured on The Michigan Opportunity Podcast as part of its coverage from Media Row at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

The podcast brought together leaders and experts to discuss Michigan’s future across economic development, mobility, manufacturing, leadership, innovation, defense, technology, talent, and global competitiveness. Carmen discusses EGI’s work and shares her perspective as part of this important statewide conversation.

Click below to listen to the interview.

The Michigan Opportunity Podcast Continues Conversations at the Mackinac Policy Conference 2026We continue broadcasting from Media Row at the legendary Mackinac Policy Conference, hosted at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The podcast fe...

06/23/2026

Tomorrow! Michigan manufacturers, don't miss the MAST-P Statewide Webinar hosted by the Michigan Manufacturers Association tomorrow, June 24.

Learn how the Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) is helping manufacturers explore new opportunities, strengthen operations, and access no-cost support designed to support growth and diversification.

📅 June 24, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM ET

Register today: https://buff.ly/5nRVaSQ

Can't attend this session? Additional county-based MAST-P webinars will be offered throughout July, giving manufacturers more opportunities to learn about available resources and support.