Michigan Economic Development Corporation offers a variety of resources for small-to-medium-sized businesses, including an Industry 4.0 Implementation Grant that provides 50% reimbursement for technology costs, including AI. There are eligibility requirements. To learn more about these grants, visit michiganbusiness.org/industry4-0/grant/
The Michigan Small Business Development Center (michigansbdc.org) has several webinars answering technology questions, including one that introduces AI with tips and tools. For more information, visit lms.michigansbdc.org/course/artificial-intelligence-and-small-businesses
The Smart Manufacturing: Leveraging AI for Competitive Advantage Course is designed for manufacturers of all levels and hosted by the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC). Enhance your AI expertise to optimize manufacturing operations through hands-on learning in predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain optimization. This course also covers ethical considerations, ensuring responsible AI implementation for increased efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. To register, visit https://www.the-center.org/Classes/Industry-4-0/Smart-Manufacturing-Leveraging-AI-for-Competitive
Funding Resources for MMTC Smart Manufacturing Training
- Going PRO Talent Fund https://www.the-center.org/Resources/GoingPRO
Ann Arbor Spark provides networking opportunities with businesses, universities, and technology experts, as well as workshops and training sessions. For more information about technology workshops and other opportunities, visit annarborusa.org/
National Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration offers information, tools, and other aids to help start or develop a small business, including loans to improve infrastructure and technology. For more information, visit sba.gov
The National Institute of Standards and Technology promotes AI innovation, development, and safety. In collaboration with the private sector, the NIST has created an AI Risk Management Framework (nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework). For more information, visit nist.gov/
Coursera partners with learning institutions, companies, and other organizations that offer online AI certifications with courses that vary in length and cost. For more information, coursera.org
