Rocket Cos. Announces Offering of $4B in Senior Notes due 2030 and Senior Notes due 2033
Rocket Cos. Inc., the Detroit-based fintech platform including mortgage, real estate, title, and personal finance businesses, is proposing to issue and sell $2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2030 and $2 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2033 in an offering that will be exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The notes will initially be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured
Survey: Michigan Small Business Owners say Growth Hampered by Health Care Costs
Health care costs are a top concern among small business owners across Michigan, according to the latest membership survey from the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM). The rise in health care costs has companies rebalancing their books and cutting back on hiring new employees. Seventy-six percent of SBAM members surveyed said the cost of providing health care is affecting their ability to hire more employees, while 51 percent say they’ve had to reduce or eliminate benefits due to costs. “Small
Michigan launches public-private partnership with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy to boost manufacturing and support good-paying jobs
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy commit to leveraging purchasing power to support and grow Michigan manufacturers and clean energy startups Community & Worker Economic Transition Office launches MI Hub for Manufacturing with support from philanthropy Michigan is a top 10 state for clean energy jobs, leads the nation for total jobs in advanced materials and has the fastest-growing workforce for energy-efficient HVAC and renewable heating and cooling MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor
Empower To Grow (E2G) Manufacturing in America Grant
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established an initiative to support the Administration's Made in America goal. It will help restore America’s economic dominance and national security by empowering small manufacturers to achieve sustainable growth and industry leadership. Through hands on training, small manufacturers can effectively address workforce shortages and bridge skill gaps. The grant will provide workforce development in key manufacturing industries, such as timber, energy,
Logic Celebrates
Recently, Logic Solutions hosted an Open House for clients and friends from the tech community to celebrate the grand opening of our Innovation Center in Ann Arbor. This marks Logic’s 30th year in business and a return to Ann Arbor, a dynamic Midwest tech hub. Over 70 were present, representing businesses in mobility, education, logistics, and healthcare, plus partners like our good friends at SPARK Ann Arbor. Delicious food was served from local restaurant neighbors including Produce Station, Tea Haus,
MEDC Announces $8.8 Million in Grants for Organizations Supporting Under-Represented Small Businesse
The Trusted Connector Grant and Entrepreneur Support Grant, administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, provide funding to support small business development initiatives across the state. LANSING, Mich. – Today, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the 23 Michigan organizations that will receive grant funding from the Trusted Connector Grant program, which provide grants to organizations such as chambers of commerce and other member-based organizations that
Gov. Whitmer Proclaims May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation declaring May as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in Michigan. “Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of AAPI Michiganders who make Michigan stronger every day,” said Governor Whitmer. “From starting small businesses to serving on the frontlines of health care, education, and public service, this community plays a vital role
Study: GM Improves, Ford and Stellantis Drop in 2025 Supplier Relations Study
General Motors placed third in the Plante Moran North American Automotive OEM – Supplier Working Relations Index, ahead of Ford and Stellantis. // Stock photo General Motors Co. in Detroit capitalized on its market strength and established relationships to better help suppliers manage costs, risks, and uncertainty, compared to Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn and Stellantis in Auburn Hills, according to Plante Moran’s 25th annual North American Automotive OEM – Supplier Working Relations Index (WRI). GM placed
Grant Opportunities
Current Grant Opportunities Great Lakes Bay Business Hub Small businesses in the Great Lakes Bay Region are eligible to receive direct business grant funds through the Great Lakes Bay Business Hub. The efforts of the business hub network and programming are to help the business develop a plan to connect with local, state, and federal opportunities, secure needed funding, while growing a customer base and industry connections. The second round of funding closes on May 23rd, 2025 -- click here to
New MEDC Request for Proposal Opportunities & Career Postings
MEDC is seeking bids for the following:2025 ADVANCE – Statewide Early-Stage Proof of Concept Fund ProgramMichigan Innovate Capital Fund Program Please click on the opportunities above for more details or visit the Public Notices, Requests for Proposals & Procurement Opportunities webpage. Also, MEDC has Career Postings available! Please click here for more information.
Strengthening Impact: APACC Welcomes New Members to Champion Small Business Success
We're thrilled to announce the newest additions to our Small Business Action Committee! These talented professionals and leaders bring a wealth of experience and passion that will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to support and advocate for the small businesses in our community. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to: Tammi Hart - Global Supplier Diversity and Compliance Sr. Purchasing Manager: As the Global Supplier Diversity and Compliance Sr. Purchasing Manager at Tenneco Inc., Tammi brings
A 90-Day Reprieve in U.S./China Trade Relations
On May 11, 2025, the United States and China concluded their trade negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. Both countries agreed to make certain “beneficial economic” commitments to deescalate the trade war, the most important being the reduction of tariffs by 115%. As a result, beginning May 14, 2025, here’s what you can expect to change: United States The U.S. will remove the 84% reciprocal tariffs imposed on products of China entering the U.S. pursuant to the executive orders issued on April 8 and April
Report: Health Care Adds $100B+ to Michigan’s Economy; Largest Private-sector Employer
The 2025 Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report shows the $106 billion total economic impact health care had in fiscal year 2023. // Stock photo The health care industry in Michigan contributes more than $100 billion annually to the state’s economy and is its largest employer accounting for over 1 million direct and indirect jobs, according to the Lansing-based Michigan Health and Hospital Association’s 2025 Economic Impact of Healthcare in Michigan report. Published this week in recognition
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MAPAAC statement on Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC) proudly recognizes and celebrates Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proclamation officially declaring May as Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the state of Michigan. This annual recognition underscores the essential contributions of AAPI communities to Michigan’s cultural, social and economic landscape. It is a powerful acknowledgment of the rich histories, diverse identities and vibrant cultures that have shaped — and continue to
Report: U.S. Automakers Using More Robots, Accounts for 40% Market Share
Automakers are increasingly turning to companies like FANUC Robotics, its Automate exhibit at Huntington Place pictured, to drive greater efficiency and quality. // Photo by R.J. King As Automate in Detroit, the largest robotics and automation event in the Americas, runs through Thursday at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit, carmakers are increasingly turning to robots to drive greater efficiency and quality. Domestic automakers have invested in more automation as total installations of industrial
Recruiting Asian American Youth for Summer Research Project
Recruiting Asian American youth who might be interested in gathering family and community stories about older Asian Americans living in Michigan. The project will take place this Summer 2025, and participants will attend workshops and receive a stipend and recording equipment. We are a team of educational researchers from Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and University of Utah (Drs. Roland Sintos Coloma, Min Yu, Jungmin Kwon, and Wenyang Sun). With financial support from the
Ahead of the Curve Auto Supplier Tariff Changes — Automotive Offsets and Tariff Stacking
Warner published a new Ahead of the Curve Auto Supplier Blog post providing clarity on the latest executive order and proclamation issued by President Donald Trump that revised the previously announced tariffs, including those impacting automobiles and automobile parts. The U.S Customs and Border Protection has released a chart detailing the recent tariff changes, including the affected countries, effective dates and specifics on applicable percentages and impacted goods or products. This chart contains a
Consumer Confidence Drops to Lowest Level Since 2020
The stock market apparently isn’t the only thing being affected by the back-and-forth on U.S. tariffs. According to The Conference Board, consumer confidence in the American economy has dropped to levels not seen since the Covid pandemic. The Conference Board, a global, nonprofit think tank and business membership organization, said this week consumer confidence dropped for the fifth straight month and now sits lower than at any time since the beginning of Covid in early 2020, blaming the continuing
Verizon’s Digital Ready program is awarded 50 small businesses $10,000 grants.
$10,000 Grants Now Available Verizon’s Digital Ready program is awarded 50 small businesses $10,000 grants. Your business can be one of them. Join today to apply for free and gain access to free resources. Sign Up for Small Business Digital ReadyTake Two Courses Unlock the ApplicationApply by June 30, 2025Sign Up
U.S. Economy Shrinks for First Time in 3 Years
The U.S. economy did something it hadn’t done in three years in the first quarter: Shrink. The U.S. economy shrank at a 0.3% annual pace from January through March, The Associated Press reported. The first drop in three years was spurred by a surge in imports as companies in the United States tried to bring in foreign goods before President Donald Trump imposed massive tariffs. The January-March expansion in gross domestic product — the nation’s output of goods and services — was down from 2.4% in the
