Oakland County Tech Collaboration

The following programs are designed to build your talent pipeline, upskill current talent, and attract new talent.

Building Pipeline

• Oakland County Advantage Apprenticeship Program: designed to help employers in a variety of industries pay for the cost of developing a registered apprenticeship program focused on work-based learning. Apprentices are eager to join your team, learn and contribute as loyal employees. They help you build a diverse, highly skilled workforce that helps grow your business. Contact Oakland County Michigan Works! Agency's Apprenticeship Success Coordinator - rivardwestone@oaklandcountymi.gov
• MiCareerQuest Southeast is the region's largest interactive career exploration event for high school students. It exposes students to a broad range of exciting, rewarding career opportunities as they prepare for their futures. 248-858-5520; MiCareerQuestSE@oaklandcountymi.gov
• Oakland County Manufacturing Day: Nearly 800 students, and teachers from 18 school districts and the four Oakland County Schools technical campuses visited 31 advanced manufacturers during the Fall 2022 event. During their three-hour visit, participants received tours of design labs, testing centers and assembly operations, as well as participated in hands-on activities and engaged with employees to learn about career paths, skills and entry-level job opportunities. Contact Brooklyn Frontiera at frontierab@oaklandcountymi.gov or 248-858-5520 for more information.
• Jobs Ready Michigan: The Jobs Ready Michigan Program was created by the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) to meet the talent needs of companies that are expanding or relocating to Michigan. The Program is designed to be flexible and responsive to the specific talent needs of companies and to address the costs associated with recruiting and training individuals for occupations that are high-wage, high-skill, or high demand. The program is designed to cover a demonstrated cost gap related to expanding or creating jobs in MI. Read over the fact sheetto determine if this program meets your needs.
• Operation Next: If you are looking for talent that brings critically important foundational skills such as leadership, integrity, and teamwork along with technical skills and abilities; get involved with Operation Next. Operation Next graduates are Veterans that earn industry recognized and validated credentials such as NIMS CNC Operator, Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Industrial Technology Maintenance (ITM), Robotics Technician and AWS Certified Welder. The entire Operation Next curriculum can be started and completed within the individual's final six months of service while they are still on active duty.
• Oakland County Competitive Robotics Association: OCCRA generates enthusiasm for technical and academic disciplines such as design, engineering, physics and electronics, providing recognition and encouragement for students. OCCRA participants not only learn practical applicable knowledge, but also the skills of working collaboratively in groups, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and quick thinking on their feet. foundation@osedfoundation.org; 248-209-2434

Upskill Workforce

• Going PRO Talent Fund: makes awards to employers to assist in training, developing and retaining current and newly hired employees. Training funded by the Talent Fund must be short-term and fill a demonstrated talent need experienced by the employer. Training must lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry.
• Michigan New Jobs Training Program (MNJT): allows community colleges to provide free training for employers that are creating new jobs and/or expanding operations in Michigan. The training for the newly hired workers is paid by capturing the state income tax associated with the new employees' wages. This is a local program - individual community colleges work directly with employers and local economic development to support job creation. There are no restrictions by industry or employer size.

Attracting Talent

• Michigan Talent Attraction: MEDC's Living in Michigan page highlights the advantages of living and working in Michigan.

The following programs are designed to build your sales.

• CONNEX MICHIGAN: CONNEX™ is a cloud-based, industry-designed software platform that connects all manufacturers into a searchable database. It allows manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers to quickly post and respond to needs, visualize supply chain risk, search for qualified manufacturers, and discover new business opportunities. CONNEX is currently being promoted as a partnership between PMBC and MMTC.
• MEDC Export Assistance Program: International Trade Team: Helps to grow your export market. A no- cost program include international trade centers, technical assistance, and resources and trainings. They also offer financial assistance for export development related costs through the Michigan State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP). This program reimburses companies 75% of costs related to international marketing activities up to $15,000 per MEDC fiscal year.  Eligible expenses include international economy class airfare, lodging, ground transportation for international sales trips, international advertising, social media, int'l trade show booth costs and fees and a myriad of other eligible activities.
• Michigan Government Procurement Opportunities: Please use the following link to find more information on becoming a State of Michigan Vendor. Or contact the State's procurement office at 517-284-7000 and DTMB-micontractconnect@michigan.gov
• MITN – As a Michigan company you can sign-up on the public vendor database. This is where a very large volume of local governments, school districts, and non-profit organizations post there RFPS for goods and services.
• Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators:For support at any of these levels, the State of Michigan has a network of Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) of Michigan) that are tasked with helping Michigan companies secure local, state and federal contracts. They are trained specialists whose coaching services are at no-cost to companies. They've got some great tips to make the process more accessible. Oakland County is covered by the APEX Accelerators of Schoolcraft College. Their team can be reached at ptac@schoolcraft.edu or 734-462-4438.
• Pure Michigan Business Connect is a B2B matchmaking program that's completely free to use for all in-state companies. This program hosts in-person and virtual matchmaking events that help uncover procurement opportunities from local, domestic, and global companies. These opportunities are shared with the Michigan supply base to match the needs up with suppliers who can fulfill the needs, leading to increased facilitated revenue for Michigan companies. PMBC works in a variety of industries including Aerospace, Fashion and Apparel Manufacturing, Automotive, Defense, Agriculture, Healthcare and more, and hosts dozens of these initiatives throughout the calendar year. Each initiative offers different opportunities to speak with buyers from small and large companies looking to diversify and localize their supply base. These opportunities are shared through the PMBC online platform, Connect Space, where you can create your business profile, update your capabilities, and respond to open needs.
  • PMBC programs
    
    • Upcoming Matchmaking Summits
    • Sign up for PMBC emails

The following programs are designed for networking and matchmaking.

 Pure Michigan Business Connect is a B2B matchmaking program that’s completely free to use for all in-state companies. This program hosts in-person and virtual matchmaking events that help uncover procurement opportunities from local, domestic, and global companies. These opportunities are shared with the Michigan supply base to match the needs up with suppliers who can fulfill the needs, leading to increased facilitated revenue for Michigan companies. PMBC works in a variety of industries including Aerospace, Fashion and Apparel Manufacturing, Automotive, Defense, Agriculture, Healthcare and more, and hosts dozens of these initiatives throughout the calendar year. Each initiative offers different opportunities to speak with buyers from small and large companies looking to diversify and localize their supply base. These opportunities are shared through the PMBC online platform, Connect Space, where you can create your business profile, update your capabilities, and respond to open needs.

• PMBC programs: 
  • Upcoming Matchmaking Summits
  • Sign up for PMBC emails
    
    

•  Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME): Supported by private sector leaders, the OFME will build and expand upon the current successes of the state’s mobility initiatives these include:
• MDOT’s ongoing work with automotive industry partners in developing smart infrastructure.
• LEO’s work on economic competitiveness and attracting and developing talent.
• The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s (EGLE) work on electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• MEDC’s PlanetM initiative which has already facilitated more than $91 million in investment since 2017 by connecting new, next-generation mobility companies into Michigan’s automotive community.

•  MedHealth is a regional collaboration connecting, convening, and educating the medical innovation ecosystem in Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario to accelerate the adoption of technologies that improve quality of care and contribute to economic growth. Contact: Stacy Frankovich - stacey@techtowndetroit.org

The following programs are designed for networking and matchmaking.

•  CONNEX MICHIGAN: CONNEX™ is a cloud-based, industry-designed software platform that connects all manufacturers into a searchable database. It allows manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers to quickly post and respond to needs, visualize supply chain risk, search for qualified manufacturers, and discover new business opportunities. CONNEX is currently being promoted as a partnership between PMBC and MMTC.
  
  
•  Pure Michigan Business Connect is a B2B matchmaking program that’s completely free to use for all in-state companies. This program hosts in-person and virtual matchmaking events that help uncover procurement opportunities from local, domestic, and global companies. These opportunities are shared with the Michigan supply base to match the needs up with suppliers who can fulfill the needs, leading to increased facilitated revenue for Michigan companies. PMBC works in a variety of industries including Aerospace, Fashion and Apparel Manufacturing, Automotive, Defense, Agriculture, Healthcare and more, and hosts dozens of these initiatives throughout the calendar year. Each initiative offers different opportunities to speak with buyers from small and large companies looking to diversify and localize their supply base. These opportunities are shared through the PMBC online platform, Connect Space, where you can create your business profile, update your capabilities, and respond to open needs.
  
  
  
  • PMBC programs: 
    • Upcoming Matchmaking Summits
    • Sign up for PMBC emails

•  Automation Alley: Automation Alley is Michigan's Industry 4.0 knowledge center, with a global outlook and a regional focus. Their programs give companies a competitive advantage by helping them through the digital transformation journey. As a nonprofit technology and manufacturing business association, Automation Alley connects industry, academia, and government to fuel Michigan's economy and accelerate innovation. The mission of Automation Alley is to position Michigan as a global leader in Industry 4.0 by helping members increase revenue, reduce costs and make strategic decisions during a time of rapid technological change. Contact Lisa Stief at stiefl@automationalley.com for more information on membership benefits.
  
  
•  Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC): Oakland County has teamed up with the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center on an Industry 4.0 initiative aimed at helping Oakland County businesses explore new technologies, discuss practical & relevant solutions to optimize your processes and find the best opportunities by adopting I4.0 technologies through a free I4.0 assessment. The point of contact is Gary Marley gmarley@the-center.org, (734) 451-4273.
  
  
•  Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers Michigan’s most comprehensive entrepreneur and small business development programs. They provide counseling, training, research, and advocacy for new ventures, existing small businesses, and innovative technology companies, including technology counselors to provide more in-depth support and a road-mapping tool that helps clients evaluate the direction of their technology, departmentalize concepts, and chart strategic direction.
  
  
• Advantage Oakland - Site Selector and Property Search: The Advantage Oakland website is a powerful resource designed to help businesses and investors find the perfect location within Oakland County, Michigan. With intuitive search tools and comprehensive data, the site streamlines the site selection process by providing valuable insights into available properties, demographics, workforce statistics, and economic trends.
  
  The platform serves as a one-stop destination for entrepreneurs, developers, and corporate leaders seeking prime real estate opportunities in one of Michigan’s most vibrant economic regions. Whether expanding, relocating, or launching a new venture, the Advantage Oakland website simplifies the search and empowers users with the knowledge they need to succeed.
  
  
•  Site Selection Assistance: Oakland County can assist with site selection through the MEDC’s property database which includes demographic information, community infographics, and other data points that can help you compare locations. We would be happy to complete a site search based on your specs and will honor confidentiality if necessary to the project.

•  Oakland County Business Finance Corporation (BFC): Small Business Administration 504 Loans - The SBA 504 loan program provides viable small and medium size businesses with long-term fixed rate financing for the acquisition or construction of fixed assets. This can be a great option for companies that might not be eligible for traditional financing. To receive a 504 loan companies work through SBA community-based partners; in Oakland County that is the Business Finance Corporation (BFC) led by Cathy Rasegan, raseganc@oaklandcountymi.gov. Check out the fact sheet.
  
  
•  PACE Financing: The property assessed clean energy (PACE) model is an innovative mechanism for financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. PACE programs allow a property owner to finance the up-front cost of energy or other eligible improvements on a property and then pay the costs back over time through a voluntary assessment. The unique characteristic of PACE assessments is that the assessment is attached to the property rather than an individual. ACE financing for clean energy projects is generally based on an existing structure known as a "land- secured financing district," often referred to as an assessment district, a local improvement district, or other similar phrase. In a conventional assessment district, the local government issues bonds to fund projects with a public purpose such as streetlights, sewer systems, or underground utility lines.
  
  
•  Michigan Business Development Program (BDP): This is a program the MEDC uses to provide incentives to companies who are considering expansion and adding jobs in Michigan. This is a competitive, performance-based grant and many items are considered as part of the evaluation, including investment in the project, job creation and alternatives to growing in Michigan. BDP is based on a competitive business case and closing a gap that would prevent the work from happening in Michigan.
  
  
•  Michigan Defense Center: Several grants are available through the Michigan Defense Center including grants related to cybersecurity compliance and proposal grant writing, and support with bid targeting.
  
  
•  Capital Access: A Capital Access team will work with banks when an established Michigan company may lack the collateral or revenue stream that banks are looking for when supplying lending. You can reference fact sheets and other information on our Access to Capital page.