Make Michigan Home

We're So Glad You're Here

Michigan is rolling out the welcome mat for current and future residents, inviting recent grads and those moving from across the country to join our first-in-the-nation program and make Michigan their home. We launched Make MI Home to retain homegrown talent and ensure Michigan is the top choice when workers and young families across the country are deciding where to relocate, while helping Michiganders settle into their new communities faster once they arrive. 

Michigan is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing industries and start-up ecosystems, unparalleled natural beauty across 3,000 miles of coastline and 20% of the world’s fresh water, a cost of living that lets you live your dreams, and sports and culture that are unmatched. We’re perfectly positioned to solve global challenges with our unique brand of innovation, creativity, and world-changing grit. The eyes of the world are on Michigan—and we want you to join the team. From great places to great opportunities and welcoming communities, Michigan has something to offer everyone. Now is the best time to Make MI Home.

Local Make MI Home programs

Scroll through our local Make MI Home programs below to discover a great place to live in the Mitten state and additional programs for current and new residents joining #TeamMichigan

  • Local Programs
  • Southwest Michigan
  • West Michigan
  • Mid Michigan
  • Flint
  • Detroit
Local Programs

Make the move to Michigan even sweeter!

From the “Cherry Capital of the World” to the Motor City, regions across our state have come together to create brand-new programs with benefits designed by local communities to retain or attract a talented workforce, while highlighting the unique offerings and lifestyle available across our state. 

Clicking on the link for each local program will take you to our partner site where you can learn more and apply.

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People gathered at a vineyard in Northern Michigan
Southwest Michigan

Careers & Coastlines: Discover Southwest Michigan

From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to historic downtowns and rolling vineyards, this region offers big-city opportunities with small-town charm. Here, it’s not just about finding work—it’s about loving where you live. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a seasoned expert looking for change, the Discover Southwest Michigan
program helps you move with purpose.

  • Up to $5,000 to help you buy your first home in Southwest Michigan
  • Have a partner moving with you? We’ll help them find their next career move too
  • A personalized community tour wherever you land in the region
  • Have children? We provide one-on-one help enrolling your kids in the right school
  • Free college tuition at Lake Michigan College for eligible students
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Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan
West Michigan

West Michigan Rooted

Coming Soon!

West Michigan Rooted is a new program designed to support people who are launching or advancing their careers in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, and more. If you’re already working or planning to work in the region, you could be eligible for up to $5,000 in support—plus personalized resources to help you stay and thrive.

Whether you’re an international student navigating your career path in the U.S., a professional seeking to re-enter your trained field, or someone working to overcome challenges on the road to long-term stability, this program is built with you in mind.

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Tulips Blooming in Holland, Michigan
Mid Michigan

Thrive in Mid Michigan

Coming Soon!

Middle Michigan Development Corporation is proud to introduce Thrive in Middle Michigan—a new program designed for soon-to-be graduates of Central Michigan University who are ready to grow their future in the heart of the state. This is more than just a relocation program—it’s an invitation to launch your life where opportunity meets community.

Thrive in Middle Michigan offers:

  • Rental assistance to ease your transition
  • Local leadership group memberships to build your network
  • Annual parks and recreation facility passes to help you stay active and connected
  • A free financial advising session with a local bank to support long-term stability
people using phone
Flint

Find Your Future in Greater Flint

Coming Soon!

The International Center of Greater Flint is proud to introduce Genesee Future Forward, a new program designed to attract and retain college and university students in Genesee County by helping them build strong careers and vibrant lives—right where it all begins. The program targets students and recent grads from both local institutions and beyond who have the potential to live and work in the region after graduation, especially those with skills in high-demand fields like healthcare, education, and STEM.
Detroit

Detroit Tech Fellowship

Coming Soon!

The City of Detroit is proud to launch the Detroit Tech Fellowship, a new initiative designed to elevate startup talent in Detroit and drive Michigan’s innovation ecosystem forward. Targeting recent graduates from Michigan universities, the program helps promising founders stay and scale their ventures in-state—strengthening Detroit as a hub for AI, biotech, clean energy, smart manufacturing, mobility, and other emerging industries.
Hart Plaza in Downtown Detroit Michigan

A Welcome from our Chief Growth Officer

“Michiganders are innovative, creative, and awe-inspiring. They inspire, invent, and change the world—all while enjoying a low cost of living and a great quality of life. From our 103 state parks to the second-fastest growing start-up ecosystem in the country, if you’re wondering where you can have it all, you can in Michigan.”

Hilary Doe headshot
Hilary Doe Chief Growth Officer

Michigan Growth Office
Follow the Michigan Growth Office on Instagram and LinkedIn to learn more.