Michigan businesses can celebrate World Trade Week as they discover international resources, gain insights into economic indicators and learn how international events could impact global strategies. The 37th Michigan World Trade Week Business Conference on May 3 will offer speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities both in-person and online.

Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) has made it even easier for businesses to access PMBC Community, an online business-to-business platform. Michigan companies of all sizes and industries can use the updated tool to create custom profiles, as well as find PMBC events and networking opportunities. This effort will help build on PMBC’s accomplishments of organizing over 10,000 buyer-supplier meetings, supporting at least 40,000 jobs, and generating more than $8 billion in new contracts.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury awarded over $34 million to 15 Michigan Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). The CDFI Equitable Recovery Program will help CDFIs expand lending, grant-making, and investment activities in low- and moderate-income communities that have experienced disproportionate economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism was held last week, where over 600 attendees discussed industry trends, including how to increase access to the outdoors for people from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. Michigan Ice Fest in Munising is one example leading the way, with Upper Peninsula locals and international ice climbers alike teaming up to welcome first-time climbers from all cultures and backgrounds to experience the beauty and wonder of Pure Michigan.

Hear from David Wang as he discusses his path to America and decades of automation experience in the automotive industry. As the founder and CEO of BEET Technology, a successful software engineering firm, he’s helped cut unplanned downtime in half for some of the most complex assembly lines in the world.

• April 25: Doing Business with the State of Michigan
• April 30-May 6: National Small Business Week
• May 1-5: International Trade Week
• May 2: Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala
• May 7-13: Travel and Tourism Week
• May 8-12: Economic Development Week
• May 9: Integr8 Conference
• May 11-13: Michigan Historic Preservation Network Historic Preservation Conference
• Michigan SBDC Events Listing

Michigan Economic Development Corporation helps to connect businesses to new resources, meet new partners and access the additional capital they need from the start. If your business needs support to reach its full potential, the MEDC is available to help. Visit michiganbusiness.org/small-business to find customized business assistance.

Looking for a career in economic development? Want to be part of a team that’s driving Michigan forward? View career opportunities at the MEDC.