July 2026 Edition | Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you part of our diverse business community!
Here, we sit at the intersection of innovation, resilience, and global growth. Whether you are navigating the cutting edge of Advanced Manufacturing, launching new ideas in Aerospace and Defense, shifting gears in Mobility, or expanding your horizons through International Trade, this newsletter is designed for you.
Advanced Manufacturing
 Speed Dating for SBA Manufacturing Companies!
July 21st, 2026 | 8:30am – 12pm | Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center – 45501 Helm St., Plymouth, Michigan
Manufacturers can meet local lenders and learn about free resources to make connections that can speed up their next big project.
Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/4z65jjaj
 Highlights from the Advanced Manufacturing Expo 2026
July 29th – 30th, 2026 | DeVos Center, Grand Rapids
The Advanced Manufacturing Expo (AME) is the premier gathering for professionals shaping the future of manufacturing. It’s where innovation meets production — connecting industry leaders, cutting-edge technology, and real-world solutions under one roof. Explore the latest in automation, metalworking, MRO & safety, and Industry 4.0 technology across four dynamic halls. From hands-on demonstrations to expert-led sessions, AME is your gateway to smarter, faster, and more efficient manufacturing.
Learn more at: Advancedmanufacturingexpo.com/
3D Printing for Small Businesses: Real Uses. Real Opportunity
August 18th, 2026 | 1pm - 3pm | 32737 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, MI
Join this in person event to learn about how small businesses can leverage SBA resources and 3D printing through Project DIAMOnD to boost business growth opportunities. Whether you’re curious or ready to innovate, this is the spot to learn, connect and get inspired about 3D printing/additive manufacturing!
Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/2khf6vhr
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Aerospace & Defense
Join us at the AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition
October 12th-14th, 2026 | Walter E Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting & Exposition is the premier land power exposition and professional development forum in North America—and the must-attend event for anyone involved in the defense sector. With over 44,000 attendees, 750+ exhibits, and representation from 92 countries, this three-day event is where the global defense community converges to shape the future of national security.
Learn more at: Meetings.ausa.org/annual/2026/
Mobility
Grant Program: Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Opportunity
The Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant Program is back. We're backing dual purpose mobility technologies, startups and established companies building the next generation of autonomous systems (land, air, sea), mobility, electrification, and advanced manufacturing tech right here in Michigan. You do not need to be a Michigan company to apply, but must use the grant funding for product development and/or manufacturing in Michigan.
What you get:
✅ Up to $100,000 in non-dilutive grant funding
✅ Technical product development, prototyping and manufacturing readiness support services
✅ Access to Centrepolis Accelerator's in-house engineering prototyping, expert network and resources
Since 2024, we've awarded $2.8M across 45 projects.
Learn more about the 2026 Make It in Michigan Mobility Prototyping Grant Program here: Lnkd.in/epxVPgQM *Deadline to apply is July 12.
 Join us for Industry Insights at our Hydrogen Ride & Drive Event
Wednesday, August 26th, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. to Noon | Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford
Join us for this unique opportunity to learn about Hydrogen developments in mobility and stationary power supply, discuss safety, refueling operations, and test driving on site.
Including exhibitors from:
Bosch, Clean Fuels MI, Forvia, Next Energy, Noble Gas Systems, OneSix Energy, PHINIA, and Toyota.
No cost to attend, but registration is required at: Tinyurl.com/mr45jynb
Michigan Auto Supplier Transition Program (MAST-P)
This grant-funded opportunity was created to support small manufacturers explore new opportunities, strengthen their business operations and diversify into growing industries — at no cost.
Learn more at: Automationalley.com/mast-p/
International Trade
Trade Mission: Doing Business with Mexico
November 8th-13th, 2026
Join Automation Alley’s trade mission to Mexico alongside the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). Mexico is the United States’ largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $800 billion annually. Mexico has thirteen free trade agreements with over 50 countries, including the USMCA, providing access to over 60% of global GDP, making Mexico a powerful hub for global production and exports.
For more information, please contact
Lisa Lasser - Manager, International Business Services at LasserL@automationalley.com
Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/ynbuurvh
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Workforce Programs:
Take your workforce to the next level with the Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund
The Michigan Central Talent Innovation Training Fund (TITF) is a workforce development program designed for Southeast Michigan startups that are ready to hire but need help closing the specific skill gaps holding back their next milestone. The TITF provides direct training capital of up to $10,000 per new hire, paired with the operational support early-stage founders need to support their hiring process.
Learn more at: Tinyurl.com/ydjp5955
Meet your future talent! Exhibitors and Sponsors Needed for 6th Annual MiCareerQuest Southeast, Nov. 17
 November 17th, 2026
Planning is picking up for this year’s MiCareerQuest Southeast, the region’s largest career exploration event for high school students, taking place on Tuesday, November 17, at the Vibe Credit Union Showplace in Novi.
Event organizers are putting out a call for organizations to sign up as exhibitors, with hands-on activities that highlight in-demand careers in the advanced manufacturing, technology, construction and health sciences sectors.
Some 8,000 students and educators from more than 100 high schools in the six-county region are expected to participate in the sixth edition of MiCareerQuest Southeast.
A post-event survey of the students last year indicated 83 percent of them learned about career and education opportunities that they did not know even existed. A survey of exhibitors revealed 95 percent of them thought MiCareerQuest Southeast effectively showcased their industry to the future workforce.
“Events like MiCareerQuest Southeast are where curiosity turns into direction,” said Lee Graham, labor management executive director, Operating Engineers 324. “We know that hands-on learning – getting in the seat, trying the tools and seeing work up close – is one of the most powerful ways to help students understand what possible for their future.”
Significant changes have been made for 2026, to better support school transportation needs and expand student access. The event will now feature two student sessions: 9:15 – 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Organizers also have combined the advanced manufacturing and technology quadrants. This is providing students with an additional ten minutes in each career quadrant during their visit.
“This is a fast-paced, high-energy event for all those involved,” said Oakland County Michigan Works! Director Jennifer Llewellyn. “Watching thousands of kids engage with the teams of employers and our labor partners, asking questions and eagerly participating in the hands-on activities, is very exciting.
“At the end of the day, everyone is tired, but very happy with the results. We’re building our future workforce.”
There is no fee for exhibiting at MiCareerQuest Southeast, with sponsorships covering the cost of hosting the region’s largest career exploration event, which covers more than 400,000 square feet of floor space. There are multiple sponsorship packages available, starting at $1,000 (Supporter) up to $25,000 (Presenting). Each package includes a variety of opportunities for exposure leading up to and at the event.
Organizations interested in exhibiting should reach out to Brooklyn Frontiera at (248) 452-2260 or via email at MiCareerQuestSE@OakGov.com. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to Llewellyn at llewellynj@OakGov.com.
Watch the MiCareerQuest Southeast 2025 Highlights Video to learn more.
Oakgov.com/MiCareerQuestSE
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