Build a Talent Pipeline for Michigan’s Future

Talent attraction and retention in today’s job market are among the primary challenges facing small businesses. As Michigan continues to fall behind in preparing the workforce for the future, these conditions threaten to get worse.  

For small businesses to thrive both now and in the future, Michigan must align its education system to focus on skill development and readiness while expanding workforce programs that prepare the workforce to fill in-demand roles.  

Prepare Students for the Economy of the Future

Michigan ranks near the bottom nationally on various key education performance metrics, despite increasing investments into the current system. To reverse this trend, SBAM supports the bold, outcome-focused reform outlined in the Launch Michigan framework. Launch Michigan is a collaborative group made up of leaders in business, education, labor, and philanthropy, who have outlined an approach that best prepares today’s children for future success.  

• Adopt clear, rigorous college and career readiness standards, aligned to international benchmarks and built into graduation requirements.  

• Adopt and support a new funding system which provides equitable support for students in poverty, English language learners, and students receiving special education services.  

• Strengthen accountability by reforming the governance structure of the Michigan Department of Education and having the State Superintendent be directly accountable to the Governor. 

• Create a transparent, easy-to-understand school performance dashboard to track student achievement, growth, and school improvement efforts.  

Strengthen Workforce Development and Upskilling

In today’s labor market, talent attraction and retention are vital to sustain the growth and success of small businesses. SBAM supports policy solutions that expand the availability of skilled workers and strengthen Michigan’s talent pipeline.  

• Public policy should help foster skills and talent development in the job market, encouraging work and upskilling.  

• Promote employer-led training models that equip workers with skills directly aligned to industry needs.  

• Lawmakers should continue to support and responsibly expand proven programs like the Going Pro Talent Fund, which supports training for in-demand careers. 

• Michigan Reconnect offers tuition-free community college for adults. SBAM supports continued investment in Reconnect, provided it remains tied to clear accountability standards.