Dear Neighbor,
As the Chair of the Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) budget subcommittee, I wanted to check in and share some resources that I have fought hard to invest in for all Michiganders. I had the honor of hosting a recent LEO Roundtable discussion right in our district where we explored critical issues impacting Michigan’s workforce, education, and economic development. The conversation brought together leaders from various fields to share strategies, challenges, and success stories about how we can strengthen the pathways from education to career, support our entrepreneurs, and ensure Michigan remains a state where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
As part of that discussion, I gathered valuable insights and resources that can help address these challenges. In the sections below, you’ll find a summary of the key topics we discussed, as well as valuable resources and opportunities available to students, job seekers, employers, and entrepreneurs. These resources aim to meet the diverse needs of all Michiganders.
In service,
Mary Cavanagh
State Senator
District 6
Resources to Support Students or Young Professionals
Michigan Reconnect
Michigan Reconnect offers tuition-free access to community college for residents aged 21 and up (with the requirement increasing to ages 25 and up in October of 2025) for applicants without a college degree, enabling them to pursue associate degrees or skills certificates. To apply or for more information, visit michigan.gov/reconnect.
FAFSA Information
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a key resource for students seeking financial support to pursue higher education. It provides access to federal grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans, helping to ease the financial burden of college or trade school. To apply, visit FAFSA.gov.
For Michiganders, FAFSA is also a gateway to accessing many state-based scholarships and financial aid programs, such as the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. Completing FAFSA is often a requirement for students to qualify for these programs, as it helps determine eligibility based on financial need and other factors. To learn more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, visit michigan.gov/mistudentaid/programs/michigan-achievement-scholarship.
LEO Apprenticeship Resources
Apprenticeship programs offer a direct path to high-demand careers by combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They provide individuals the chance to earn while they learn, building skills for stable, well-paying jobs across industries like healthcare, IT, and construction.
Programs like MI Apprenticeship help connect job seekers with opportunities at no cost, making it easier to find and start an apprenticeship. Visit miapprenticeship.org or michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/apprenticeships for more information.
For businesses, consider apprenticeships to create a pipeline of skilled talent tailored to your specific needs.
Job Discovery Platforms
Pure Michigan Talent Connect
This platform lists over 100,000 available jobs across the state, allowing job seekers to upload resumes, search job postings, and learn about education requirements and skill development. Visit michigan.gov/leo/news/2016/05/23/state-offers-resources-that-can-help-graduates-with-information-on-careers-in-demand-skills for more information.
Michigan Career Development Association (MichCDA)
MichCDA provides resources and connections for career professionals in Michigan, including monthly newsletters, career cafés, and a member directory. Visit michcda.org/ for more details.
Workforce Retraining Resources
Community & Worker Economic Transition Office
This office assists workers and communities affected by economic shifts, particularly in the auto and energy sectors. It provides support for career transitions and skill development to prepare for emerging industries. To learn more, visit michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/economic-transition.
MI Works
Michigan Works! agencies operate adult programs year-round, offering services such as career exploration, resume writing assistance, interview practice, and access to funding opportunities for education and job training. Check out their website at michiganworks.org/.
Resources for Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Minority Business Grants
The “Make it in Michigan” Competitiveness Fund offers matching grants to projects pursuing competitive federal funding with a focus on supporting minority-owned businesses and promoting economic growth within the state. Visit michigan.gov/whitmer/issues/michigan-infrastructure-office/make-it-in-michigan-competitiveness-fund for more information.
Going Pro
The Going PRO Talent Fund awards grants 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 lead to a credential for a skill that is transferable and recognized by industry. Learn more at michigan.gov/leo/news/2021/09/30/applications-for-training-grants-through-going-pro-talent-fund-accepted-starting-september-30.
Business Development and Incubator Resources
The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers no-cost consulting, training, and market research to assist entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses. SBDC provides resources on business planning, funding, and more. Learn more at michigansbdc.org/.
Furthermore, MEDC Entrepreneurship & Innovation supports high-tech startups and entrepreneurs with programs, services, and expert counsel to accelerate research, license intellectual property, form companies, and create jobs. You can learn more at michigan.gov/leo/initiatives/mi-small-business.
There are also Small Business Support Hubs. MEDC’s network of 27 support hubs across the state help entrepreneurs navigate Michigan’s small business ecosystem and gain awareness of federal, state, and local resources, including funding opportunities. Visit the website at michiganbusiness.org/services/small-business-support-hub.