Helping Communities Shine

Whether researching and implementing ways to shape a community's economic development plan or partnering to create ways to put people to work, CREC connects researchers and policymakers with:

     • Data training
     • Custom portfolios that aid regional competitiveness

Project Profile

Evaluating the Michigan Business Development Program

Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Start Date: Apr 2018 — End Date: Mar 2019

CREC led a team that includes the W. E. Upjohn Institute and Business Development Advisors to Determine the return on investment (ROI) for the Michigan Business Development Program based on verified disbursements to companies and job creation activity.  The study also examined the ROI projected with that estimated from actual results, assessing the validity of current ‘but for’ and ‘break-even’ analyses.  In addition, CREC compared the MBDP to other states.  MEDC asked for CREC recommendations on ways to improve the program design as well as MEDC’s methods for conducting its due diligence and evaluation.

Plan Your Economic FutureResearch & Planning

About the Client

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.

Project Updates

CREC Internship Profile: Lakeisha Skinner
July 24, 2018

Each year, the Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) hires a number of interns who help the organization during the busy summer period. Each is offered an opportunity to learn how the organization helps municipalities, states, and regions respond to changes in local job markets; and CREC specifically works with undergraduate and graduate students who need academic credit. […]