June 26, 2026
Grand Rapids just landed a significant manufacturing expansion. Detroit's small business loan fund reopened with new terms. And a state-level employment law change takes effect next month that most Michigan business owners haven't heard about yet.
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The Brief
Gentex is adding 400 jobs in West Michigan — and that trickles down
Gentex Corporation announced a $120M expansion of its Zeeland operations this week, adding roughly 400 manufacturing and engineering positions over the next 18 months. The company makes auto-dimming mirrors and driver assistance camera systems, and this expansion is tied to a new OEM contract the company hasn't named publicly.
For West Michigan, Gentex expansions have historically created downstream demand — staffing firms, suppliers, logistics companies, and the restaurants and services near their campuses all feel it within a few quarters.
What this means for your business: If you're in manufacturing supply chain, skilled trades staffing, or B2B services in the Holland/Zeeland corridor, this is worth tracking. The hiring ramp doesn't happen overnight but the vendor and supplier conversations start now. Worth a call to your Gentex contact if you have one.
Detroit's small business emergency loan fund reopened — with different terms
The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation reopened its Small Business Stabilization Fund this week after a 14-month pause. The fund offers loans up to $75,000 at 4% interest for Detroit-based businesses with 1–25 employees. New this cycle: applicants no longer need two years of operating history — one year is now sufficient, which opens it to more early-stage businesses.
Applications are open through August 15 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. The last round closed in 11 days.
What this means for your business: If you're Detroit-based and have been in operation at least a year, this is one of the more accessible capital sources in the market right now. The rate is good, the terms are straightforward, and the application isn't onerous. Don't wait on this one.
Michigan's paid sick leave expansion takes effect July 1
Starting July 1, Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act expands. Businesses with 10 or more employees must now provide up to 72 hours of paid sick leave per year, up from 40. Businesses with fewer than 10 employees must provide 40 hours paid and an additional 32 unpaid. The accrual rate is one hour for every 30 hours worked.
The law was upheld in full after a 2024 legal challenge. It applies to all employers in Michigan, including nonprofits.
What this means for your business: If you haven't updated your sick leave policy since 2024, do it this week. The 10-employee threshold is based on your headcount at any point during the year — not just when you're audited. If you're at 9 now but expect to add someone before December, you're in the higher tier. Update your employee handbook and make sure your payroll system is tracking accrual correctly.
On the Radar
The Grand Rapids Chamber is accepting applications for its 2026 Small Business Cohort through July 11. It's a six-month program — monthly sessions, peer group, and one-on-one advisory time. Worth it if you're at a growth inflection point and want structured accountability. The application takes about 20 minutes. grandrapidschamber.com/cohort.
Worth Using
MEDC's business toolkit — The Michigan Economic Development Corporation has a genuinely useful set of free resources including a site selector, incentive finder, and workforce training grant navigator. Most Michigan business owners don't know it exists. medc.michigan.org.
Nearside — Business banking built for small businesses and freelancers. No monthly fees, 2.2% cashback on all purchases, and fast account setup. Useful if your current bank is charging you fees for a low-balance business account.
That's the Michigan roundup for this week. Forward this to another Michigan business owner if something was useful — that's the whole growth model.
Worth reading: Crain's Detroit Business had a good breakdown this week of the DEGC loan fund terms and what changed from the last round — worth pulling up if you're considering applying