Michigan Legislature Expands “Make It In Michigan” Program With FY25 Budget Support

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Today, the Michigan Legislature approved a balanced, bipartisan budget for fiscal year 2025, enhancing the state's “Make It in Michigan” economic development strategy that supports people, places and projects.

The FY25 budget is $82.5 billion, with a total general fund of $15 billion and a total school aid budget of $19 billion. Key investments include funding for economic development initiatives focused on project attraction, space creation and talent growth, all critical to the Make It in Michigan strategy, as well as investments aimed at boosting the state's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

“I am grateful to Governor Whitmer, the State Budget Office team and the Michigan Legislature for their collaboration and hard work to pass a budget that reflects and honors our commitment to the economic development strategy “Make It in Michigan “Focused on People, Places and Projects,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr, CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Whether it’s cultivating a culture that welcomes talent, revitalizing our communities, or attracting investment, we must continue to work together as Team Michigan to ensure everyone can truly “succeed in the Michigan.”

Investing in people, places and projects

FY25 Budget Highlights:

1. Strategic Awareness and Reserve (SOAR) Fund:

• $500 million to attract and retain investment in the clean energy, semiconductor and mobility sectors through federal policies that promote national development.

1. Innovation Fund:

• $60 million to support scalable startups, with the goal of launching hundreds of new Michigan-based businesses and creating thousands of jobs.

1. Regional revitalization and development program:

• $50 million for continued funding, including support for a new initiative to develop high-density, highly livable, walkable neighborhoods and business ownership opportunities for residents.

1. Grants to Minority-Owned Businesses:

• $10 million to support the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Support Grant Program.

1. Pure Michigan Campaign:

• $15 million, in addition to the existing $15 million from the General Fund, to attract more visitors to the Great Lakes State, with the potential for up to $10 million in additional local and private revenue.

Talent and Workforce Initiatives:

1. Talent and growth:

• $45.5 million to support Michigan's workforce needs and population growth, providing economic assistance to businesses and developing customized talent solutions.

1. Michigan Excellence Scholarship:

• $30 million to improve funding for the state's flagship scholarship program, guaranteeing tuition for community college students.

1. Michigan Reconnection:

• $52 million to provide a tuition-free pathway for adult learners aged 25 and over.

1. Tuition Incentive Program:

• $20 million increase to support low-income students at Michigan's community colleges, public universities and private universities.

1. North American Indian Tuition Waiver:

• $14.5 million to provide free education to eligible Native Americans at Michigan public universities and community colleges.