Looking to grow your workforce, but resources are limited? Then you should consider connecting with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Community Ventures Program. Community Ventures provides employers with hiring assistance, grants and connectivity to qualified, pre-screened candidates.
According to Valerie Jemerson, Flint-Region Project Coordinator for the MEDC, Community Ventures offers a wealth of resources designed to assist Flint-area employers with hiring qualified employees.
“The main benefit of Community Ventures is that the program can help reduce the cost of hiring new employees,” said Jemerson. “The program provides talent pre-screening, employer grants and employee retention assistance. Several Flint-area employers have taken advantage of this opportunity and our goal is to engage many more. We want to get Michiganders back to work.”
Community Ventures was created to help structurally unemployed Michigan residents in Detroit, Flint, Pontiac and Saginaw re-enter the workforce. Long-term unemployed, at-risk youth and disabled workers are among those considered structurally unemployed. The program works to pre-screen and train eligible candidates.
Employers can benefit from a variety of resources available through the program, including:
- Pre-screened talent through Genesee/Shiawassee Michigan Works! assistance with recruitment, on-the-job training funding, basic skills assessment and Job Fit Career analysis.
- Employer grants providing a $5,000 wage subsidy grant for each permanent, full-time employee
- Wraparound services provided through Genesee/Shiawassee Michigan Works! and Mott Community College for job coaching, social services support, transportation and child care.
To become a Community Ventures employer, businesses must agree to provide full-time, permanent jobs and hire citizens who are Community Ventures eligible who reside in Flint, Burton, Mt. Morris and Mt. Morris Township.
For more information contact Valerie Jemerson at or (810) 233-5627 ext. 140.