Business Watch

The Michigan Strategic Fund agreed to spend $50 million to support the Copperwood mine project in the western U.P. Supporters say the mine will provide much-needed jobs, while detractors warn of potential environmental effects.

As the EV market evolves, Michigan and its signature industry are in the middle of it all. Here are 4 things to know right now about the shift.

Landmark federal emissions rules designed to cut greenhouse gases include some concessions for manufacturers. The implications — both political and economic — are massive for Michigan.

State agencies focused on Michigan’s workforce will try to accomplish three main goals aimed at more jobs, more training and ultimately better pay.

What is middle class in Michigan or enough to live comfortably? Definitions vary, but are key to the state’s growth goals. Let Bridge know what you think.

The state awarded $335 million in job-growth subsidies in 2023. Use this map find out where, pay for jobs and investment details.

Debate about corporate subsidies comes as business leaders, others sound alarms that wages in Michigan incomes aren’t keeping pace with the nation. They are calling for investments in education, high-tech jobs.

The push is on in Lansing to use incentives to lure tech jobs, as average incomes in Michigan fall behind and criticisms increase about using tax money to create low-wage work.

Gov. Whitmer says tax money funds ‘good-paying jobs.’ But details on wages from subsidies are often difficult to find, and a Bridge Michigan investigation reveals $228 million in subsidies in 2023 are for jobs that pay less than average.

A $500,000 appropriation from last year’s state budget will take Detroit-based organization to Lansing and Flint.

The Small Business Administration is giving loans of up to $2 million to small businesses in Michigan affected by the lack of snow this winter.

Gotion, a subsidiary of one of China’s largest battery suppliers, has submitted site plans for the controversial electric vehicle battery plant it wants to build near Big Rapids.

The 1-million-square-foot assembly plant will employ over 1,100 when it opens in 2028, creating a clean energy and semiconductor hub with nearby corporate relative Hemlock Semiconductor.

Internet gaming — like poker on your phone — is surging in Michigan. Receipts totaled $1.92 billion last year, and that’s meant higher than expected tax revenues for the state and Detroit.

The state hopes a new $125 million fund will make Michigan more attractive for advanced manufacturing and let it lure more federally backed high-tech factories.

Since 2015, the industry has lost over 1 million subscribers in Michigan. Last year, subscriptions fell by 190,000.

The new law means big changes: Private sector workers no longer can avoid paying union dues if they are employed in a workplace with a collective bargaining agreement.

Sponsors say a plan to let growing businesses capture payroll taxes would increase prosperity at a time when Michigan incomes are falling and some economists sound dire warning about the state’s future.

The rare Gibson Explorer is for sale at Elderly Instruments in Lansing, where it’s the most expensive item for sale in the specialty instrument store.

Musicians have known about the renowned music store in Lansing for 52 years. Now, it’s winning acclaim as a top U.S. business for evolving with the times but staying true to its roots.