LANSING— Businesses across the state could get a boost from a combined $10 billion commitment from DTE Energy and Consumers Energy as part of the state’s Pure Michigan Business Connect program.
The program, launched in 2011, helps Michigan businesses grow and create jobs by connecting suppliers with in-state business resources. DTE and Consumers each have pledged $5 billion in investment with other Michigan-based companies over the next five years.
The announcement was made at the Small Business Association of Michigan’s Annual Meeting and Networking Luncheon.
Both companies committed to the program four years ago and have exceeded their initial targets of $1 billion each in new contracts with Michigan businesses.
“These latest commitments, along with those of our other partners, will mean significant growth opportunities for Michigan companies,” says Gov. Rick Snyder. “I encourage all of Michigan’s business community, companies that have supply needs and those that are looking for new opportunities, to join the program.”
Pure Michigan Business Connect is a public-private alliance of the MEDC, state agencies and Michigan companies that helps find ways to raise capital, get access to professional business services at little or no cost, connect through a new business-to-business network, and identify potential suppliers and resources.
The program enables Michigan businesses to have access to new sales and supply chain leads that they would not traditionally be able to secure. To help small businesses navigate the complexities of larger company purchasing processes, the Small Business Association of Michigan announced a plan to host a purchasers’ summit in partnership with Pure Michigan Business Connect, featuring lead purchasing partners DTE Energy and Consumers Energy on Sept. 22 in Livonia.
The program’s network includes more than 40,000 Michigan businesses including Ford Motor Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield, General Dynamics, Michigan State University, Chrysler, University of Michigan, General Motors, KUKA Systems, Wayne State University, and Boeing.
