Gov. Whitmer’s FY26 Budget Further Supports MEDC’s ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy

The governor’s FY26 executive budget recommendation includes small business support, workforce development and talent retention and attraction efforts critical to growing the state’s economy

On Feb. 5, Gov. Whitmer released her seventh executive budget recommendation, which aims to benefit all Michiganders by investing in pocketbook issues and growing our state’s economy. The proposed budget aligns with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s (MEDC) ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy, from supporting small businesses and creating jobs to attracting and retaining talent.

“I continue to be grateful to Governor Whitmer for her forward-looking approach to ensuring everyone can ‘Make It in Michigan’ by providing strategic and comprehensive investments in our People, Places, and Projects,” said MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr. “Whether it’s local government, small business, entrepreneurship and innovation, defense and aerospace, talent attraction and retention, or mobility by air, land, and water, Michigan succeeds when we confidently convey our strengths to those interested in calling Michigan home, both personally and professionally. My colleagues and I look forward to working with Governor Whitmer and the bipartisan state legislature to develop a budget focused on helping more Michiganders manage household costs, have more job and entrepreneurial opportunities, and enjoy greater lifelong learning opportunities to realize not only their economic dreams but also the aspirations for future Michiganders.”

Small Business and Workforce Support

To help provide Michigan’s small businesses with the resources they need to succeed, the FY26 budget recommendation includes $10 million for Small Business Entrepreneurial Support Hubs to enhance a statewide network of service providers that offer comprehensive resources and critical support to Michigan’s small businesses. 

It also includes $10 million for the MEDC Talent Action Team to partner with employers to help meet their unique talent needs in industries like advanced mobility, semiconductor, aerospace defense and life science to attract, retain and connect talent with good-paying jobs. 

The budget recommendation also includes $10 million for growing the state’s population through retaining and attracting talent with strategic pilots and public engagement efforts. According to a report from Site Selection that highlights recent findings from the U.S. Census Bureau and USDA about population migration trends across the United States, Michigan is experiencing one of the biggest swings in demographic trends among its 25 to 44-year-old population. Support from the governor’s FY26 budget recommendation will help continue that momentum.

“Governor Whitmer is committed to growing our population and shared prosperity over the long-term as demonstrated by her 2026 executive budget recommendations,” said Hilary Doe, chief growth officer for the State of Michigan. “Our positive momentum is undeniable. Data released in the last month alone shows that Michigan has experienced the fifth-largest acceleration in growth among its younger adult population, narrowed the gap between those leaving and arriving in our state and garnered over 21,000 sign-ups from people across the country interested in living and working here. We will continue building on policy wins, program launches, and marketing successes to move Michigan forward. There’s more reason than ever to keep going and I’m confident that if we work together, we’ll be able to reach even bigger goals in the year to come. Let’s grow, Michigan!”

Governor Whitmer’s FY2026 budget underlines the importance of our ‘Make It in Michigan’ framework’s focus on People, Places and Projects through efforts such as the Pure Michigan campaign, Business Attraction and Community Revitalization, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, talent attraction and more. Continued support year over year for these initiatives in the governor’s budget highlights how our economic development strategy is critical to the vitality of the state.

Read the full FY26 executive budget recommendation here.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.