Michigan Central, in partnership with the ‘Detroit at Work’ system operated by Detroit Employment Solutions Corp. and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, has launched the Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund.
The fund will offer more than $1.5 million of training investment into early-stage technology and mobility-focused companies in Detroit by providing resources to acquire talent, grow operations, and create economic opportunity for Detroit residents.
“Through the Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund, we’re moving at the pace of innovation to allow flexibility for hiring startups to train for emerging talent needs, while also building a workforce ecosystem that positions Detroit as a leader in innovation and mobility,” says Clarinda Barnett-Harrison, director of talent development and programming at Michigan Central.
“This is about driving growth, creating opportunity, and ensuring that Detroiters are central to this transformation.”
The Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund offers startups funding of up to $7,500 per trainee to cover specialized training costs for critical roles.
The fund seeks to reskill and upskill 160 Detroiters, helping them to secure family-sustaining wage roles in mobility-focused industries. The fund will also boost a thriving economic and workforce ecosystem by supporting emerging companies and creating new employment opportunities in Detroit.
“The speed of technical innovation, particularly in Detroit where we are recognized as a national leader, makes it imperative that our talent pool is able to support the needs of transformational employers across a range of industries,” says Dana Williams, president and CEO of Detroit Employment Solutions Corp. “Partnerships like this are critical to that talent pool as they keep Detroiters ready for the jobs of today and just as importantly, get them ready for the jobs of tomorrow.”
This is one of many initiatives that Michigan Central has partnered with the State of Michigan to seed, aligning with the Labor and Economic Growth Department’s goal to attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities.
Applications are open until Feb. 15, 2025, with funds distributed on a rolling basis to ensure timely support.
The Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund is open to startups ready to hire and effectively use the funds. Eligible companies must:
- Identify clear talent needs and provide job descriptions
- Ensure training leads to industry-relevant skills, with preference for credentialing programs
- Commit to creating full-time jobs with health benefits, paid leave, and a minimum post-training wage of $20/hour (and $16/hour for part-time employment during training)
Startups interested in applying for funding can visit here.
Michigan Central is also home to a growing community of innovators and local businesses. Founding partner Google moved its Code Next youth program into The Station’s office tower in July, and Ford’s Model e and Integrated Services teams joined more than 725 employees from 128 companies and startups next door at Newlab at Michigan Central.
For more information, visit michigancentral.com.
