Michigan Business Success Stories

Soft Goods

Throughout college, Josh York operated a streetwear brand, but found it difficult to stand out as another “Detroit themed” clothing brand. So, he decided to take his business a step further and make quality garments from the ground up with the launch of Soft Goods.

Zolli Candy

Alina Morse, founder of Zolli Candy, was seven years old when she went to the bank with her dad and the teller offered her a lollipop. “My parents always told me that sugar was terrible for my teeth. I declined the teller’s offer and asked ‘Why can’t we make healthy candy?’ I asked a hundred more times, and after lots of experiments and trials, we created Zollipops.”

Global Retool Group

Brighton-based leader in supplying retools and retrofits of OEM manufacturers receives assistance through MEDC’s Capital Access program

The Standing Company

As the Saginaw-based standing wheelchair manufacturer faced supply chain delays, the MEDC’s Supply Chain Resiliency Team helped the company secure connections with local suppliers

Austin Logistics

Two siblings land one of their first contracts for their Detroit-based logistics company thanks to MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect services

AbleLink Smart Living Technologies

Technology solutions provider conducts pilot programs, partners with Ypsilanti-based non-profit organization to advocate for transportation independence for Michiganders with cognitive disabilities

Hummus Goodness

Local entrepreneur is making Michigan more delicious thanks to MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect matchmaking services

Heritage Tower/The Milton

Battle Creek’s iconic Heritage Tower gets a fresh start – and new name – thanks to community partners and the MEDC

Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center

Fashion and apparel manufacturing nonprofit propels industry forward in Detroit – and combats COVID-19 – with support from MEDC programs

MUVE

Based in Canada, MUVE has made its way to Michigan to increase mobility options and services for people with disabilities across the state

IMPCO Microfinishing

Lansing-based machine tooling manufacturer gains international exposure through MI-STEP-funded exhibition trips

Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights

The MRCC completed its Union Carpenters and Millwrights Skilled Training Center in Detroit thanks to support from MEDC’s collateral support program

Curriculum Works

Grand Rapids-based company builds international relationships, signs deal with Egypt’s Minister of Education through MI-STEP-funded sales trip

Meijer Market Format Stores

Meijer’s small-format stores connect with Michigan suppliers with help from MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect events and services

Cavnue/CAV Corridor

A first-of-its-kind connected and automated vehicle (CAV) corridor will help drive Michigan’s leadership in smart infrastructure and future mobility

Tecumseh’s Farmers Market at the Market on Evans

An abandoned lumber yard in downtown Tecumseh transformed into a farmers market and community event space thanks to funding from Public Spaces Community Places

Frontal Lobe Coworking

A Howell coworking space optimizes its technology through the support of a pilot program for Michigan Main Street community businesses

Max Analytical Technologies

CMURC SmartZone support helps Mount Pleasant-based company grow, leads to acquisition by largest chemical instrumentation company in the world

18th Street Deli

Fresh food distributor accesses capital through MEDC’s Collateral Support Program to expand its Hamtramck-based operations

Josh’s Frogs

An Owosso business that started as a hobby is hopping along thanks to support from MEDC’s Collateral Support program