The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan

10/28/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/28/2025 08:55

Governor Whitmer, Michigan Strategic Fund Board Support Housing, Innovation Across Michigan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 28, 2025

Governor Whitmer, Michigan Strategic Fund Board Support Housing, Innovation Across Michigan

Projects delivered in Houghton, St. Joseph counties

LANSING, Mich. - Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Strategic Fund Board celebrated support for a significant property in the City of Hancock (Houghton County), the disbursement of funds to 13 entities supporting startups and innovation across the state, and continued support for a longstanding employer in Three Rivers (St. Joseph County).

"Today's approved projects are an example of what happens when we work together to put Michiganders first," said Governor Whitmer. "By building more housing, supporting major employers in our communities, and investing in our entrepreneurs, we're strengthening the foundation for long-term growth throughout Michigan. Let's keep working together to support the state's 'Make it in Michigan' strategy to make our state the best place to live, work, and build a future."

"From adding critical housing supply in the U.P. to supporting the state's startup and automotive ecosystems, today's approved projects reflect Team Michigan's ongoing commitment to executing the state's 'Make it in Michigan' economic development strategy focused on attracting and developing People, cultivating and revitalizing Places, and competing for and winning Projects," said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Chair of the MSF Board. "We remain grateful to the volunteer members of the MSF board, community partners, Governor Whitmer, and the Michigan Legislature for the legislatively provided economic development tools that support these projects to help every Michigander 'Make It in Michigan.'"

Skyline Commons in the City of Hancock Approved for New Housing, Commercial Development

The Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) Board approved a $4.5 million performance-based Michigan Community Revitalization Program Direct Loan to create up to 27 new residential housing apartments at the former Finlandia University site in the City of Hancock (Houghton County).

The Skyline Commons project breathes new life into a building that has long been part of the community's story - transforming it into much needed affordable housing and a welcoming space for small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow.

"Rehabilitation and renovation of the building is a top priority for the City of Hancock," said City Manager Mary Babcock. "The building has seen numerous purposes throughout the course of its history, including most recently as a former university building for the now-defunct Finlandia University. Prior to that, the building was known as the old Portage Hospital building."

WHY IT MATTERS: The project is anticipated to be a multi-functional building that will provide broader community impact.

As part of renovating a significant amount of functionally obsolete space within the building, it will create 15 one-bedroom apartments as well as 12 two-bedroom apartments, with rent between 60% and 100% of the Area Median Income for Houghton County. Nine of the 27 residential units will be reserved as affordable or workforce housing for up to 15 years.

The project will also preserve about 40,000 square feet of commercial office space housing existing vital tenants and several medical professionals, as well as updating more than 60,000 square feet of underutilized space to house new commercial tenants, including an early childcare provider to support access to this critical care within the community.

"After nine months of due diligence, we saw no clear path forward but knew this historic Hancock landmark deserved a new chapter," said Andy Moyle of Moyle Development. "Our team rose to the challenge, and Skyline Commons will provide vital housing and modern commercial spaces. We're honored to lead this bold redevelopment, creating a lively hub that will enrich our community for generations."

Michigan Innovation Fund Provides $4.2 Million to 13 Entities for Startup Support Services

OVERVIEW: The Michigan Strategic Fund approved a cumulative $4.2 million for 13 entities providing startup support services, representing the last tranche of money to be disbursed into the startup and innovation ecosystem from the first-ever Michigan Innovation Fund (MIF) that was signed into law earlier this year.

"Michigan is laying substantial groundwork to create an innovation ecosystem like never before, and the Michigan Innovation Fund has been a critical component in demonstrating our long-term commitment," said Ben Marchionna, Chief Innovation and Ecosystem Officer. "By laying this groundwork and reinforcing our commitment, we are signaling to thinkers and doers across the state, nation, and world that Michigan is ready to help you succeed beyond concept and into creation, from seed to scale, and more."

Per the objectives outlined in law creating the MIF, $4.2 million was to be set aside for startup support services to boost entrepreneurial capacity and build a pipeline of evergreen funds. From over 100 applications, the following will receive funds:

  • Michigan Founders Fund, $500,000
  • Michigan Venture Capital Association, $500,000
  • TechTown Detroit, $500,000
  • Henry Ford Innovations, $400,000
  • MTEC SmartZone, $400,000
  • Start Garden, $400,000
  • University of Michigan-Flint, $400,000
  • Ferris Wheel Innovation Center (100K Ideas), $250,000
  • Milestone Growth Capital Institute, $250,000
  • Automation Alley, $150,000
  • MichBio, $150,000
  • Michigan Central, $150,000
  • Traverse Connect, $150,000

Amounts were determined based on demonstrated need, regions impacted, experience, and demonstrated track record, among other criteria.

WHY IT MATTERS: Michigan is making more frequent and consistent investments in its startup and innovation ecosystems. By supporting innovators and entrepreneurs in the state, Michigan can grow its population by attracting new and retaining existing residents, as well as promoting our research universities through commercialization of concepts and more.

"From engaging stakeholders and partners, to disbursing funds in real-time, the Michigan Innovation Fund is answering a significant call from throughout the entrepreneurship and innovation communities," said Alison Todak, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the MEDC. "We are proud to lay this important foundation for the future of Michigan."

Today's action directly complements earlier disbursements to existing and emerging evergreen funds and PitchMI, a bold statewide startup pitch competition, and represents the culminating tranche associated with the Michigan Innovation Fund's initial vision.

The Innovation Fund was signed into law alongside an additional economic development tool to provide a state R&D tax credit, delivering additional competitive tools to help Michigan strengthen and grow its innovation ecosystem and workforce into the future.

American Axle & Manufacturing Receives SESA Exemption to Invest $132.9 million in Three Rivers

OVERVIEW: American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), a Michigan-based company that designs, engineers, and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies for automotive vehicles, will begin major facility upgrades and capital improvements to its facility in the City of Three Rivers (St. Joseph County) upon receiving approval for a five-year, 100% State Essential Services Assessment (SESA) exemption - an estimated value of up to $978,960.

"These investments are necessary to ensure our plant infrastructure and advanced manufacturing processes remain competitive while supporting our highly skilled workforce to meet the strict requirements of our OEM customers," said Tolga Oal, President - Driveline, AAM. "We appreciate knowing that when we're making multi-year investments in physical and human capital, we're doing so in a location where we can count on partnerships that are necessary to sustain and grow our Three Rivers Manufacturing Facility to compete successfully in this dynamic, ever-changing industry."

WHY IT MATTERS: AAM is the largest employer of union workers in St. Joseph County. Overall, the company's undertaking will invest up to $132.9 million in Three Rivers, preserve jobs in Michigan, and ensure the facility can remain competitive and sustainable for the long-term, including being well-positioned to secure by securing new OEM contracts.

"The $132.9 million investment American Axle & Manufacturing is making in its Three Rivers facility is an incredible win for Southwest Michigan," said Jonas Peterson, CEO of Southwest Michigan First. "This commitment will position the plant and community for long-term success. By designating Three Rivers as its Center of Excellence, AAM is not only elevating the facility's capabilities but also shining a spotlight on the extraordinary talent and craftsmanship of our regional workforce. We're deeply grateful for AAM's continued investment in people, innovation, and community partnerships that strengthen the entire region."

NOTE FROM THE MEDC:

Investment and job numbers represent the commitment made by the business to the state of Michigan. Terms will be formalized in a performance-based project agreement, with funds disbursed as reimbursement based on eligible expenditures, and are subject to amendment or cancellation if the commitments are not met due to risks or uncertainties. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation provides a public annual report on agreements and their status to the state legislature.

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The Office of the Governor of the State of Michigan published this content on October 28, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 28, 2025 at 14:55 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]