Michigan Economic Development Directory

Michigan State Incentives

BUSINESS TAX REFORM: The unpopular Michigan Business Tax (MBT) will be replaced effective January 1, 2012 with a simpler and competitive corporate income tax. What does this mean? All industries are in line for significant tax cuts. Lower rates will tax C corporations at 6 percent on federal taxable income apportioned to Michigan. Other entities—individuals, partnerships and LLCs—have income flow to their personal income tax. It is expected that 100,000 businesses will pay no business taxes. The personal income tax rate remains 4.35 percent and is scheduled to decline to 4.25 percent in 2013. The new simplified tax system eliminates a laundry list of MBT credits and deductions. The alternative business income tax for small business remains intact. When the 2012 tax changes take effect, Michigan is projected to rank #13 in the Tax Foundation’s U.S. overall business tax climate ranking, and #22 for corporate taxes, up from #48.

PURE MICHIGAN BUSINESS CONNECT: Michigan businesses now have new ways to buy and sell, raise capital and connect with one another. Pure Michigan Business Connect is a $3 billion public-private economic gardening initiative matching people with resources and strengthening relationships to fuel economic growth, including:

• venture capital, debt financing, collateral support, other funding assistance
• customized market research
• executive and professional talent search assistance
• training support
• customized site searches
• ombudsman services
• entrepreneur services
• export assistance
• legal services
• matchmaking with Michigan suppliers

NEW INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR BUSINESS, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: New economic development and community revitalization programs will provide $100 million in incentives for highly competitive projects in Michigan.

The Michigan Business Development and Michigan Community Revitalization Programs replace the state’s previous MEGA, Brownfield and Historic tax credit programs that were features of the old Michigan Business Tax.

The Michigan Business Development Program will provide grants, loans or other economic assistance of up to $10 million to businesses that are creating qualified new jobs and making new investments in Michigan. Factors to be considered in making these awards include: out-of-state competition, private investment in the project, business diversification opportunities, near-term job creation, wage and benefit levels of the new jobs, and net-positive return to the state. Business retention and retail projects are not eligible for consideration of these incentives.

The Michigan Community Revitalization Program will provide grants, loans, or other economic assistance of up to $10 million to projects that will revitalize regional urban areas, act as a catalyst for additional investment in a community, reuse vacant or historic buildings and promote mixed use and sustainable development.

NEW TALENT PORTAL: Through the MEDC Job Portal, employers can register to post openings and work closely with the MEDC’s Talent Acquisition team to devise strategies to meet their talent needs. Companies posting on the Job Portal will also have access to the MEDC’s other talent acquisition services, including targeted marketing and social media outreach, career events, assistance with identifying relocation services and a triage approach to addressing hard-to-fill positions and hiring challenges. The portal also allows job seekers to search for positions around the state, create profiles and add their resumes to the talent database. The MEDC Job Portal is currently being used in concert with the Michigan Talent Bank. Both systems are working together to effectively connect Michigan’s businesses and job seekers.

COST-CUTTING & OMBUDSMAN SERVICES: The MEDC helps companies save money through Workers’ Compensation Cost Control Service. Companies are also assisted in finding property for expansions. The Business Ombudsman Office provides impartial, independent and confidential assistance in resolving disputes and investigating business complaints against state government agencies.

FEDERAL CONTRACT ASSISTANCE: With the growing need for qualified defense contractors, the Michigan Defense Center strategically connects defense industry buyers and prime contractors with Michigan based-companies. In addition, Procurement Technical Assistance Centers assist companies throughout the entire government procurement process from pre-award to post-award. MEDC also tracks federal grant programs and makes companies aware of opportunities and offer letters of support where applicable.

PATENT/TRADEMARK WORK: In conjunction with Michigan law firms and the Small Business Technology Development Center network, the MEDC is launching an initiative to make available pro bono services in the IP sectors of patents, trademark and copyright laws.