Michigan Central's Talent Innovation Training Fund (TITF) is actively supporting technology and innovation startups across Southeast Michigan by providing funding and operational assistance to hire and train local residents. The program focuses on individuals without four-year degrees, ensuring new hires receive at least Detroit’s livable wage standard of $21.76 per hour. The second phase of this initiative launched this fall, continuing efforts to increase retention and accessibility for regional startups within the 30-acre innovation hub.
Participating companies can receive $10,000 per new hire for credentialed training or $5,000 for on-the-job training. The fund targets startups in sectors such as tech, robotics, drones, health sciences, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, mobility, and artificial intelligence. The primary goal is to help these emerging companies develop a qualified workforce while also offering residents of Southeastern Michigan access to careers in fields they might otherwise miss.
Myka Burley, Michigan Central’s Associate Director of Talent Development and Programming, highlighted the program’s aim to equip the right person with the necessary skills for a startup environment. The TITF is structured with two tracks. An early stage track, designed for newer startups with one to 10 employees, offers human resources and onboarding support, alongside on-the-job training tools and curriculum templates. These companies also receive one-on-one consulting from human relations experts at the Southeastern Michigan Community Alliance. For established companies with over 10 employees seeking niche talent, the program provides similar support and funding, in addition to connecting them within Michigan Central’s innovation ecosystem to find workers with specific skills. Burley underscored the critical importance of HR infrastructure, noting that many startup founders may excel at technology but lack experience in building a business effectively.
Ademola Fagade, CEO of GeoPrime Energy and a member of the Detroit Board of Water Commissioners, participated in the TITF's first iteration in 2025. GeoPrime Energy, a renewable energy firm established in 2022 that develops infrastructure for industrial facilities and municipalities, including hydrogen fuel cells, saw its staff grow significantly. Before the TITF, the company had three full-time employees and four consultants; it now employs 11 people. During its participation, GeoPrime Energy received training consultation from Google, which aided in developing processes for employee screening and recruitment. Fagade noted that the program encouraged his company, and others, to “think outside the box” regarding how they onboard, train, and mentor new employees.
GeoPrime Energy is also involved in the second phase of the program, looking to build upon its earlier success. Fagade expressed the value of the program in demonstrating that it is possible to hire from underserved communities and provide training that creates an “exponential effect beyond our organization.” For the current phase, he aims to expand hands-on training opportunities with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms, intending to pair GeoPrime Energy’s engineers with those from partner EPC firms. This approach, Fagade believes, ensures skills are effectively passed down to younger individuals or those with a shared interest, which he considers vital for talent retention.
Michigan Central closed applications for startups for the TITF at the end of July. The second cohort is currently underway. Applications for individuals interested in participating in the training program are expected to open soon.
