Our roundup of the latest news from metro Detroit and Michigan businesses as well as announcements from government agencies. To share a business or nonprofit story, please send us a message here.
Michigan Central Launches $1.5M Fund to Help Tech-based Startups Take Business to Next Level in Michigan
Michigan Central today announced applications are now being accepted for a new fund that offers technology-based startups up to $200,000 to help them scale their presence in Michigan.
The Michigan Central Scale Fund is designed to get startups broadly focused on mobility, materials, and energy to the next step and to build upon previous pilots or conduct activities that help attract follow-on customers in Michigan.
The companies selected as recipients will also gain membership to Newlab and access to its amenities and business-boosting benefits. Newlab is the startup ecosystem at Michigan Central, and its model draws talent from around metro Detroit and the world to innovate, test, and enable the adoption of solutions to society’s mobility challenges.
The fund aligns with Michigan Central’s goal of becoming the world’s home of innovation and a leading tech ecosystem, and will award startups $20,000 to $200,000, and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
Michigan Central is meant to help advance technologies and programs that address barriers to social, economic, and physical mobility. Its open-platform community connects startups with established companies, government entities and innovators to collaborate and fast-track answers to many of our world’s problems.
The 30-acre campus is a convening place where companies can advance a more sustainable, equitable future through a community-based approach to mobility solutions. Building on Detroit’s history as an engine of change, the Michigan Central project aims to strengthen the city’s existing fabric of community and accelerate its economy, while inspiring collective action on the most pressing challenges at the intersection of mobility and society worldwide.
Companies applying for the Michigan Central Scale Fund will be evaluated based on previous pilot activity, business model sustainability and potential to drive economic development for the region. The application is on the Michigan Central website, at www.michigancentral.com/michigan-central-scale-fund-application.
Newlab, the mobility innovation hub located at Michigan Central, will support the evaluation of applications and manage the pilots funded through the fund.
“The Michigan Central Scale Fund has two key missions in not only helping advance important technological advancements but to keep startups in Michigan or draw them here,” says Joshua Sirefman, CEO of Michigan Central. “We’re already seeing incredible innovation and collaboration here at Michigan Central, and the Scale Fund will help us keep that momentum moving forward while helping Detroit’s re-emergence as a leading destination for innovation.”
In announcing the opening of applications to the public, Michigan Central also announced the first Scale Fund recipient. JustAir Solutions – a tech startup based at Newlab at Michigan Central – received $33,000 to expand its efforts in the greater Corktown/ southwest Detroit area.
The Black-owned company, whose technology and fight for environmental justice was showcased by CNN in June. It monitors air quality to protect the community and create awareness around the impact of potential unseen dangers in the air.
The Michigan Central Scale Fund is supported by Michigan Central’s public-private partnership with the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit, and through the Michigan Strategic Fund.
Goldfish Swim School Celebrates a Wave-making Summer
Goldfish Swim School Franchising in Troy recognized five franchisees at its second annual School Leadership Summit in Troy earlier this month. The event provides school leadership teams and owners the opportunity to connect, celebrate successes and milestones, and share learnings and best practices.
The Franchise Team, with help from brand ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, presented the five Core Value Awards to schools who embody the unique set of values that have made Goldfish Swim School a leader in its category and communities:
- Going Above and Beyond to Create a Golden Experience – Goldfish Swim School – Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania
- Providing Wow! Customer Service – Goldfish Swim School – Garden City, New York
- Treating People with Integrity, Compassion & Trust – Goldfish Swim School – Winter Park, Florida
- Meeting & Exceeding Expectations so you see Extraordinary Results – Goldfish Swim School – Springfield, New Jersey
- Making a Big Deal out of Life’s Accomplishments by Remembering to Celebrate – Goldfish Swim School – Boise, Idaho
Strengthening the core of the Goldfish Swim School franchise, the brand depends on franchisees to integrate these guiding principles into both the day-to-day operations of their swim schools and within their local communities.
“It brings us great joy to engage with, recognize and celebrate our franchisees. We appreciate their relentless dedication to living and demonstrating our core values in their communities and in their schools.” says Chris McCuiston, co-founder and CEO of Goldfish Swim School Franchising. “Through their efforts, we’re able to teach kids how to be safer in and around the water each week.”
Goldfish Swim school also commemorated the addition of drowning prevention advocate and world champion swimmer Ryan Murphy, alongside his parents Pat and Katy Murphy, and grandfather, Mike Sullivan, who plan to open Goldfish Swim School – Saint Johns, near his hometown in Florida. The school is slated for a spring 2024 opening.
Local Designers Share Detroit’s Past, Imagine its Future in Annual Month of Design
Design Core Detroit is hosting the 13th annual Detroit Month of Design, which is taking place during the month of September.
This edition will feature more than 80 events, including studio tours, pop-up markets, and family-friendly outdoor activities. Events will take place across Detroit and into the surrounding metro area at indoor, outdoor, and virtual venues.
As the United States’ only UNESCO-designated design city, Detroit models the future-facing creative potential of post-industrial cities that center collaboration. This year’s them is “United by Design” and focuses on design strategies that strengthen community resources and encourage mutual aid. Inspired by the themes of unity and synthesis, Detroit Month of Design seeks to cross-pollinate create disciplines for the benefit of a collaborative, accessible world.
“As we have seen in the years since Month of Design began in 2011, Detroit is a key player in this century’s cultural and technological development,” says Kiana Wenze, co-executive director of Design Core Detroit. “We are a well-positioned hub with a unique design history, which encompasses our city’s incredible array of historical and geographical influences. As Detroiters continue to innovate and reimagine their city’s rich industrial legacy, I suspect that we will see even greater attention and collaborative interest from design leaders around the world.”
Month of Design features an expansive slate of activities for folks of all ages and backgrounds. Presented by the Gilbert Family Foundation, Eastern Market After Dark returns this year with a district-wide night market and open studios featuring galleries, retailers, brand activations, music, and more.
This year, Dequindre Cut Freight Yar will extend the evening with drinks and dancing, including bonfires and s’mores, specialty cocktails, and local brews accessible at the Wilkins Street entrance. A silent disco will kick off the evening, followed by a silent roller disco dance party throughout the Freight Yard.
Other events include:
- Design Jam, a two-day challenge that invites participants to prototype new adaptive products for recreational athletes with limb differences.
- Shop and See, a partnership between Design Core and Bedrock that pairs local designers with downtown shops to exhibit their work, drive traffic to the stores, and give people a chance to explore the collections of downtown Detroit businesses and makers.
- Project Soul, a collaboration with Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, whose goal is to bring kids’ dream to life. The hands-on workshop invites young people from across Detroit to design their own dream sneaker, while learning about the process with product designer Vidit Singh Chhikara, to ultimately create their own wearable 3-D printed footwear.
Detroit Month by Design also highlights key players and districts from Detroit’s design legacy, exemplifying the city’s stake in design history and the role it played in culture locally and globally.
Shoulder Innovations Secures a $45M Debt Facility
Shoulder Innovation Inc. (SI), a Grand Rapids-based company that provides shoulder replacement implants, secured a $45M debt facility in partnership with Trinity Capital. This is in addition to SI’s recent $42 million Series D equity financing, which closed earlier this year.
Following the launch of its InSet Shoulder Arthroplasty platform, this additional capital should bolster efforts to rapidly expand both commercial and technology initiatives for the company. SI has developed and commercialized their integrated InSet system, which includes the Inset glenoid, humeral short stem, reverse and stemless components.
“We’re delighted to announce this next milestone in establishing a very robust balance sheet established to support the growth of a world-class technology platform,” says Rob Ball, CEO of Shoulder Innovations. “We’re looking forward to a fruitful relationship with Trinity Capital, built upon our great accomplishments thus far. We are on a mission to be the innovation leader in shoulder arthroplasty.”
“The Trinity Capital debt facility provides Shoulder Innovations flexibility to make additional investments into the team, systems infrastructure and InSet technology to further accelerate the growth and scale of the business,” says Matthew Ahearn, chief operating officer of Shoulder Innovations
Adrian Public Schools Adopt ZeroEyes’ AI Gun Detection Solution Situational Awareness Platform
ZeroEyes, the creators of an AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announced that Adrian Public Schools of Lenawee County, has deployed ZeroEyes’ system across all its school campuses to protect students, staff, and visitors from gun-related violence.
Adrian Public Schools is the largest school district in Lenawee County, serving more than 2,700 K-12 students. The district’s new security initiative was made possible by the Fiscal Year 2023 Michigan state school aid budget, which included a 5 percent per pupil increase, marking the highest per-pupil allowance ($9,608) in state school funding history.
“We sadly live in a time when we can no longer ignore the looming shooting threats that continue to plague the US school system,” said Nate Parker, superintendent of Adrian Public Schools. “After a comprehensive review of available security solutions, we determined that allocating resources toward ZeroEyes’ solution was in the best interest of our students and community. Their 24/7/365 operations center provides confidence that we are being protected around the clock, year-round.”
ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software will be layered on Adrian Public Schools’ existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images will instantly be shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), always staffed by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they will dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type and last known location, to local staff and Lenawee County police force in as fast as three to five seconds from detection.
“Adrian Public Schools’ commitment to the safety and well-being of its community is truly commendable,” says Mike Lahiff, co-founder and CEO of ZeroEyes. “By adopting our proactive AI gun detection solution, the district has taken a significant step towards creating a secure learning environment for its students and staff, and we are grateful for their trust in our mission to combat gun-related violence.”
Sharrow MX Propellor by Sharrow Marine Finalist in Fast Company’s 2023 Innovation by Design Awards
St. Clair Shores’ Sharrow Marine’s MX propeller was honored in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards for 2023 in the Products category.
The Innovation by Design Awards, which can be found in the September 2023 issue of Fast Company. It honors the designers and businesses solving the most crucial problems of today and anticipating the pressing issues of tomorrow. The competition, now in its 12th year, features a range of blue-chip companies, emerging startups, and hungry young talents. It is one of the most sought-after design awards in the industry.
“We are thrilled to be chosen as a finalist for this year’s Innovation by Design list,” says Greg Sharrow, founder and CEO of Sharrow Engineering and Sharrow Marine, and inventor of the Sharrow Propeller. “This honor validates the hard work of the entire Sharrow Marine team in our efforts to advance propeller technology, making it radically quieter and more efficient.”
“So much innovation news these days is focused on AI,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “This year’s Innovation by Design honorees are a reminder that it’s human ingenuity that drives invention.”
The judges include designers from a variety of disciplines, business leaders from some of the most innovative companies in the world, and Fast Company’s own writers and editors. Entries are judged on the key ingredients of innovation: functionality, originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural impact, and business impact.
Winners, finalists, and honorable mentions are featured online, and winners and finalists are featured in the issue of Fast Company magazine, on newsstands Aug. 29.
To see the complete list, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/innovation-by-design/list.
NWH Strengthens Acquires Michigan Company Post Hardwoods to Strengthen Supply Chain
NWH, a manufacturer and supplier of hardwood lumber to North America, Europe, and Asia, acquired Post Hardwoods, a hardwood supplier and manufacturer based in Hamilton, about 35 miles south of Grand Rapids.
Post Hardwoods was established in 1980 by brothers Bob and Junior Post and delivers high-quality and diverse hardwood lumber and logs from the Glacial region to their customers. The company’s 13,500-square-foot sawmill facility is situated on 20-acres in Hamilton.
“The acquisition of Post Hardwoods marks an important milestone in NWH’s growth,” says Nathan Jeppson, CEO of NWH. “Their impressive operations complement our customer commitment to reinforce and expand our position as a global leader in hardwood supply.”
Post Hardwoods’ log sales business should help enhance NWH’s product range and flexibility, offering customers greater variety. The acquisition also gives NWH access to an array of Glacial species trees. Additionally, Post Hardwoods’ experience in sawing high‑quality lumber and sourcing capabilities broadens NWH’s supply chain.
“We’re delighted to be joining the NWH family,” says Bob Post, CEO of Post Hardwoods. “This move paves the way for exciting new opportunities for our team while allowing us to uphold our unwavering commitment to quality. Together, we can better serve our customers and lead the hardwood industry into the future.”
New and Existing AT&T Customers Can Get AT&T Internet Air
At&T’s new Internet Air service is now available to metro Detroit customers. Over the past year, the company team has been identifying customer pain points, like legacy internet options, and as a result designed a solution that uses available network capacity in areas that are less densely populated while still providing a strong connection.
AT&T Internet Air was first made available to existing copper-based customers. As the company begins to scale, it is focused on selecting locations with enough wireless coverage and capacity to deliver in-home experience, and also maintain a wireless service for our existing mobile users.
AT&T designed the system so that it is easy for home customers to install. They are given a box and once they open it customers will scan a QR code to access a step-by-step guide providing clear instructions.
The AT&T Smart Home Manager app should make set-up easy for non-technical people with the use of a unique feature that helps customers find the best spot in their homes with the strongest connection. AT&T also offers add-on Wi-Fi extenders to create a whole-home mesh Wi-Fi eliminating dead zones.
AT&T also worked to design a system that is visually appealing as well as easy to use. AT&T Internet Air’s design is meant to look sleek and modern and be able to blend into any design aesthetic.
AT&T Internet Air complements the company’s AT&T Fiber network, expanding its footprint into new locations including areas of Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Cincinnati; Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon, Penn.; Pittsburgh; Las Vegas; Phoenix; Chicago; Detroit; Flint-Saginaw-Bay City, Mich.; Hartford-New Haven, Conn.; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Portland, Ore;. Salt Lake City; Seattle-Tacoma; and Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota).
For more information about AT&T Internet Air, customers in announced locations should go to their local retail store or visit AT&T Internet Air.
$54M in Going PRO Talent Training Funds Available
Thanks to the state of Michigan, Oakland County Michigan Works! has $54 million in training funds available to employers for the year 2024 through the county’s Going PRO Talent Fund program. The money is meant to help employers with a demonstrated talent need and is available to private and nonprofits alike.
To learn more about the fund and how it works, Oakland County is hosting five virtual training sessions for people interested in learning about the program. They are on Aug. 30, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Sept. 6, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; Sept. 7, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; Sept. 13, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; and Sept. 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
The cost is free, but advanced registration is required. To register, visit GPTF-2024-InfoSession.EventBrite.com. To learn more about the program in general, visit OakGov.com/GoingPRO.
New, Free Program Available for Metro Detroit Women Seeking to Learn Computer Skills
Gesher Human Services, 29699 Southfield Road, Southfield, is hosting an informational meeting on Sept. 7 at 9 a.m., to talk about its free four-week program for metro Detroit women who have been out of the workforce and need to learn basic computer skills, essential for many employment opportunities, and job search skills.
The program, Springboard to Success, combines the nonprofit’s Women to Work program, which has helped thousands of women obtain work since the 1980s, with Gesher’s Computer Basics Class for job seekers.
Women who believe their chief obstacle to successfully search for and secure a job is a lack of computer knowledge, can just take the computer training portion of the program.
Springboard to Success will begin on Sept. 12 and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon, ending on Oct. 5. For more information go to www.geshermi.org/womentowork.
“With inflation and mortgage rates so high, we know that many moms are now thinking about going back into the workforce this school year to help their family’s budget,” says Judy Richmond, employment specialist and Women to Work coordinator. “There can be many obstacles to a woman getting appropriate employment, especially when their children are young, and we are able to provide the vital skills they need to land a job which works for them, whether it is full-time, part-time, or remote.”
The program is completely free and includes:
- Computer basics: creating, editing, saving, and moving files; keyboard and mouse usage; navigating the internet; translating tech terms; the cloud; safety.
- In-depth vocational assessment.
- Employment-related group counseling and emotional support
- Help with networking, resume writing and interviewing.
- Stress management.
- Information and referrals to support services.
“Many women remain their family’s primary caregivers, whether that is for children or looking after elderly relatives, and we know that to be successful at balancing work and family, keeping stress in check is vital,” says Richmond.
Women to Work was a program founded in the 1980s to help women who suddenly needed immediate employment due to bereavement, divorce, loss of a spouse’s job, or other similar situations. The program has helped more than 2,000 women in Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties prepare themselves to get back into the workforce.
FAME Signing Day Pairs WCC Students with New Employers
Washtenaw Community College, manufacturers and regional workforce development organizations have joined hands to meet industry talent needs through the national Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) work-and-learn apprenticeship program.
WCC recently hosted a “Signing Day” event in which its inaugural cohort of 10 advanced manufacturing students in the new program signed with their employer partners to officially kick off the program with the new academic year.
Students are paired with a sponsoring company to complete a two-year work-and-learn program designed to equip students with the skills required for the rapidly evolving manufacturing industry. The program offers the potential for a debt-free path to an associate degree in under two years.
WCC is currently the only FAME higher education institution in Michigan. The program is anchored by Toyota Motor North America, other employers are Novi Precision, Lomar Machine & Tool Company, Orbitform, and Caster Concepts.
The program offers apprenticeships and educational pathways to an associate degree from WCC and on-the-job training and mentoring through industry partners.
Participants in the FAME program can be recent high school graduates, military members transitioning to the workforce, or individuals looking to move into a new career path. The FAME program is designed to give students hands-on experience while also providing formal education credentials. The program focuses on professional presence and lean manufacturing acumen, as well as formal technical capabilities.
Funding to support the MI FAME Michigan Mitten chapter is provided by the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN) as part of a $5.8 million Apprenticeship Building America grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Employment and Training Administration.
“Obtaining the Apprenticeship Building America Grant marks a momentous achievement for southeast Michigan Community Alliance Workforce Intelligence Network (WIN), which allows Washtenaw Community College and five other WIN Board community college partners to build and grow apprenticeships in the region,” says Michele Economou Ureste, executive director for WIN. “The establishment of Michigan’s inaugural FAME Chapter, the Mitten Chapter, through this grant is met with great enthusiasm,”
Ann Arbor SPARK is the organization/chapter administrator of the Mitten Chapter’s program and helps recruit both employers and students. Michigan Works! Southeast is also supporting the FAME initiative in Michigan’s Mitten Chapter.
Applications to join the Fall 2024 cohort opens on September 1 and may be submitted on the MI FAME Mitten Chapter website.
