The Michigan Opportunity

In the Southwest Corner of Michigan is the economic powerhouse Cornerstone Alliance, doing business retention and expansion, physical development, and placemaking

As President and CEO, Marla Schneider oversees Cornerstone Alliance’s comprehensive efforts to attract and retain businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and create a thriving economic landscape in Southwest Michigan. She shares with us several transformative projects underway, including initiatives focused on business retention and expansion, how they work with community members and development authorities, and more. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship.

This week we chat with Everett Woodel, Jr., the Great Lakes Regional Administrator for the U.S. SBA, about how the SBA helps small businesses throughout the Great Lakes area, from crises and disaster resistance services to loan forgiveness and more. Prior to his appointment as the Great Lakes Regional Administrator, Everett served as the District Director for the SBA in Columbus, Ohio overseeing programs that facilitate billions in small business lending and federal contracting. 

As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. 

With more than 200 years of rocket science experience combined, scientists and engineers are propelling technology from the Upper Peninsula to the outer corners of the solar system

We welcome Dr. Brad King, CEO of Orbion Space Technology in Houghton, Michigan, as he shares the story of how Orbion came to be, the companies they have partnered with, and his connection to the Upper Peninsula. The high-tech aerospace company specializes in Hall-effect thruster (HET) Propulsion Systems, helping spacecrafts reach all corners of the solar system. 

Detroit City FC: Where 7,000 strong pack the stands — and a bold new soccer stadium is on the way.

Detroit City Football Club is Detroit's professional soccer team and has established itself as one of the most talked about soccer teams in North America. The club has generated media coverage from publications across the globe. CEO Sean Mann has been involved in every facet of the growing organization, including Detroit City Fieldhouse and City Clubhouse. Sean also shares his unique career path from a background in the state legislature, to a German Marshall Fund of the United States fellowship and more. 

From skateboards to hunting blinds, fly fishing gear to motorcycles — Brad Garmon is hitting the road across Michigan, connecting with outdoor recreation entrepreneurs who are building, innovating, and making things happen!

As we continue our series Around Michigan in Under 30 Minutes, we talk with Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. He discusses how the office is charged with supporting and growing the outdoor recreation lifestyle economy of the Great Lakes State, as well as recognizing that a strong and vibrant outdoor recreation economy provides positive impacts for the health and well-being of Michigan’s people, natural resources, and communities.

The Office is a joint project of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and works alongside outdoor recreation businesses and organizations to create outdoor industry jobs and innovative products, train and attract talent, and improve outdoor access for all. 

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Drives Growth and Talent Retention with Northern Michigan University, InvestUP and Local Experts

We talk with Lexi Hagan, Executive Director of Menominee Business Development Corporation and Marty Fittante, CEO of Invest UP, about the Rural Leadership Fellowship Program at Northern Michigan University. The Fellowship is a paid and scholarship-supported applied learning experience for students interested in rural economic development and public sector careers. As a public-private partnership with InvestUP, the program helps with driving talent in the Upper Peninsula. We also hear Lexi’s story as a student fellow and how it helped kick start her professional career as a recent graduate. 

Explore a new AI venture born in Michigan — led by a seasoned tech veteran, focused on strengthening affinity relationships for member-based organizations.

We welcome back Trista Van Tine as she shares the story behind her innovative Michigan-based startup and her deep roots in the tech startup ecosystem. Her latest venture, Nunchi, is an AI-powered people intelligence platform built to help membership organizations better understand, engage, and connect with their communities. From early-stage insights to real-world impact, Trista’s journey is a testament to the power of tech with purpose. 

Connecting the Future of Smart Cities and Beyond

Eric Gannaway, Director of Traffic at D2 Traffic Technologies, has over 20 years of traffic transportation experience with a manufacturing background. In this episode he shares how D2 Traffic Technologies delivers cutting-edge traffic management solutions in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry. They specifically bring products and solutions designed to meet the growing demand in the transportation, traffic, and smart city markets.

200 small businesses, 12,000 attendees at "All Things Detroit" event at the Eastern Market, food trucks at the NFL Draft, Ask Jennyfer, LLC defines hustle in the new economy!

Among other services at Ask Jennyfer, Jennyfer Crawford-Williams conceptualizes, manages and executes the successful small business showcase All Things Detroit, which draws as many as 12,000 attendees and connects them to more than 200 small businesses. Her signature, independently-organized event is held each fall and spring. Marketing and event planning services specializing in Detroit small businesses clients. It is hard to define everything Jennyfer does, but she has a storefront in Corktown, and many other business activities, just listen to the interview! 

We continue coverage of the Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism, a three-day conference focusing on education, networking, and collaboration opportunities to advance the state's tourism industry. The Michigan Opportunity talks with tourism and hospitality leaders about current trends in the travel industry, the economic impact of travel and tourism on Michigan’s economy, and what’s new in Pure Michigan for the 2025 spring and summer travel season.

Guests include: Choose Lansing President and CEO, Julie Pingston; Motor Cities National Heritage Area Deputy Director and Michigan Travel Commissioner, Brian Yopp; Crystal Mountain Chairman and Michigan Travel Commissioner, Jim MacInnes; Advance Travel & Tourism Midwest Senior Sales Manager, Holly Laurencelle.