Michigan still adds more businesses than it loses, but business is slowing down as nearly 1 in 4 proprietors reach retirement age.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
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Ford retreats from EVs after Michigan spends big on subsidies for battery plants
After losing billions, the automaker is downsizing its EV strategy and expanding into energy storage. That means big changes to production at the planned $3.5 billion BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall.
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Tariffs take hold in west Michigan, home of former critic turned champion
Tariffs are prompting a historic clockmaker and furniture company to close down in west Michigan, home of a former congressional critic now selling President Trump’s policy on the international stage.
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West Michigan has economic momentum, but sees signs of slowdown
The Grand Rapids region saw population gains slow and jobs flatline, but it remains a leader in the state and nation on several key economic metrics.
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Lawmaker: Stop demoing houses on Genesee County megasite without a deal
Michigan budgeted up to $31.6 million to clear land it bought for a megasite, in part by tearing down houses. One lawmaker says that’s a waste.
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Battle Creek faces life after Cereal City following Kellogg sale
The WK Kellogg Co. has been bought by an Italian candy maker, and some worry about what that means for the future of the Cereal City.
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Michigan farm values growing faster than nation amid data center boom
Michigan led the US in farmland price increases last year, rising 7.8% compared to 4.3% nationally. Demand is rising along with development.
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Beloved Detroit sweet potato bakery perseveres after death of patriarch
This holiday, one family member is noticeably absent from the hustle and bustle of the daily operations, the cofounder known as ‘Mr. Sweet Potato Sensations.’
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Detroit OKs $5.6M in tax breaks for two new sports facilities
The two projects, valued at nearly $300 million when combined, reflect successes and limitations of the city’s community benefits process.Â
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Michigan stores offer Thanksgiving savings despite paying more for turkeys
Bird flu and another disease have shrunk the US turkey population to a 40-year low this year. Wholesale turkey prices are expected to be up more than 40% as a result. But many grocers are offering discounted or even free turkeys to get customers in the door.