Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) Launches to Provide No-Cost Support to Small Manufacturers Exploring New Industries

The Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) has officially launched, introducing a statewide initiative designed to help Michigan's small manufacturers in the internal combustion engine (ICE) industry successfully diversify into emerging manufacturing opportunities including defense, aerospace, electric vehicles (EV), clean energy and other adjacent industries.

Through a combination of technical assistance, financial guidance and educational resources, eligible companies accepted into MAST-P can access these services at no cost through grant funding supporting the program. The initiative aims to help very small businesses - particularly those with less than 10 employees - modernize operations, diversify capabilities and position themselves for long-term growth in a rapidly evolving mobility landscape.

The three-year program, originally announced in September 2024, is funded through the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SSBCI SBOP) and administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) on behalf of the Michigan Strategic Fund. The initiative provides more than $9 million in funding to support more than 500 suppliers across Michigan's automotive ecosystem as they adapt to industry transformation.

"Michigan's automotive suppliers remain among the most innovative in the industry and all advanced manufacturing. As our suppliers navigate one of the most significant industry shifts in generations, the sector continues to grow more complex as federal policy, global events and technological advances change the landscape more rapidly," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., MEDC CEO. "MAST-P aims to remove barriers for very small manufacturers by providing expert support at no cost, ensuring these manufacturers can strengthen their capabilities, pursue new opportunities and remain essential parts of the mobility future, no matter how the sector evolves."

Who the program serves

MAST-P is designed for Michigan-based very small businesses and suppliers operating within or connected to the automotive supply chain who are:

• Transitioning from solely providing ICE components to also participating in EV production and clean energy
• Exploring diversification into adjacent advanced manufacturing industries, such as advanced aerial mobility or defense
• Preparing to access capital or other business growth programs

Eligible businesses must be located within targeted regions including Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, St. Clair, Lapeer and Kent counties and demonstrate participation or intent to participate in automotive supply chain activities.

What participating companies receive

Companies accepted into MAST-P will receive no-cost access to advisory services, business assessments, technical consulting, financial literacy support and educational programming delivered through the program's statewide partner network. This coordinated model is designed to help suppliers build operational resilience, improve financial readiness and successfully pursue growth pathways tied to adjacent and emerging manufacturing markets.

Industry outreach for the Michigan Automotive Supplier Transition Program will be led by Automation Alley and the Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA). Automation Alley advances innovation and Industry 4.0 adoption among manufacturers, while MMA serves as the leading statewide advocate and resource for Michigan's manufacturing community. Together, the organizations will leverage their industry expertise and statewide networks to connect automotive suppliers with the resources needed to navigate industry transition and future mobility opportunities. Participating businesses will gain access to a coordinated network of partners delivering tailored support, including:

How to apply

Companies interested in accessing the benefits of MAST-P can access more information and a comprehensive program platform that assesses beneficial program services at https://automationalley.com/mast-p/

Partner Quotes

"Very small suppliers often face the greatest challenges during periods of industry change, yet they are critical to the strength of Michigan's manufacturing ecosystem," said Tom Kelly, CEO of Automation Alley. "MAST-P is designed to meet companies where they are, providing a simple entry point and coordinated, no-cost support so they can focus on growing, adapting and competing in the next era of mobility."

"MAST-P expands access to growth resources for very small and diverse suppliers, helping them strengthen business fundamentals, improve financial readiness and connect to new market opportunities within evolving mobility and manufacturing value chains," said Bill Grice, VP and Executive Director of Growth Programming, Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC).

"Through business assessments, resource identification and strategic growth planning, MAST-P provides very small suppliers with the insights and roadmap needed to make informed decisions as they navigate industry transformation and pursue diversification opportunities," said Ashlee Breitner, Managing Director, University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute.

"MAST-P delivers hands-on technical support that helps very small manufacturers improve operational performance, adopt new capabilities and build the process discipline required to compete in electric vehicle and emerging manufacturing markets," said Robert Scipione, Manufacturing Services Manager, Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC).

"Michigan's manufacturers have shaped the backbone of America's mobility industry-innovating, adapting and leading through every major industrial shift. MASTP builds on that legacy by equipping our smallest suppliers with the tools, expertise and forward-looking support they need to thrive in the next era of manufacturing," said Delaney McKinley, Executive Vice President of Operations, Michigan Manufacturers Association (MMA).

About MAST-P

The Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P) is a collaborative initiative led by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation in partnership with Automation Alley, Michigan Manufacturers Association, the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center, the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council and the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute. The program supports very small Michigan suppliers as they transition to emerging manufacturing opportunities such as electric vehicle production, advanced aerial mobility and defense through coordinated technical assistance, financial guidance and education.

This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21034-0001 awarded to the Michigan Strategic Fund by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

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: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.