Michigan Works! Southwest

What Michigan Works! Southwest does

Michigan Works! Southwest is a government workforce development agency operating under the Michigan Works! system and supported by the State of Michigan, serving Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties in Southwest Michigan. The organization connects job seekers with employers through four physical service centers (Battle Creek, Coldwater, Kalamazoo, Three Rivers) plus Neighborhood Employment HUBs, delivering career coaching, job search assistance, training programs, veteran services, youth programs (Young Professionals, Jobs for Michigan's Graduates), and specialized initiatives including healthcare pathways, construction pre-apprenticeships (Vision for Prosperity), and food assistance employment & training (FAE&T). For employers, it provides Business Solutions (recruitment, job fairs, on-the-job training coordination), Going PRO Talent Fund administration, the Employer Resource Network, registered apprenticeships, and Employer Led Collaboratives.

The underlying technology is a service-delivery platform built on labor market information systems and data-driven decision making rather than proprietary software; key technical channels include the Pure Michigan Talent Connect job board, virtual workshops, online career explorer tools, and Career Stories video content. There is no disclosed proprietary AI/ML capability, SDK, or API surface; integrations, app links, and patents are absent from the data.

The business model is funded primarily through state and federal appropriations — Wagner-Peyser funding, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants, and pass-through administration of the Going PRO Talent Fund (a Michigan employer training grant). Services are provided at no cost to job seekers, and employer services are delivered as part of the public workforce system. Documented Going PRO Talent Fund grant flows of $2.74M (January 2021), $2.74M (December 2021), and $0.14M (June 2022), plus $640,000 for youth career exploration (July 2024), illustrate the scale of grant activity administered by the agency. Governance is provided by a Workforce Development Board in partnership with Locally Elected Officials, with the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research playing a leadership-transition role. The organization operates as part of the American Job Center network and is an equal opportunity employer/program.

Name

Michigan Works! Southwest

Legal name

Michigan Works! Southwest

Website

https://michiganworkssouthwest.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Michigan Works! Southwest is a state-supported workforce development agency serving Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties, connecting job seekers with Southwest Michigan employers through career coaching, training, apprenticeships, and employer recruitment services funded by federal and state grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Placement Agencies (561311), Employment Services (5613), Temporary Help Services (56132), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Educational Support Services (611710), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Help Supply Services (7363)

akta.pro primary industry

Job Placement, Matching & Career Navigation Services (EDAAAOAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Workforce & Job-Seeker Services (Community-Based) (EDAAAFAM), Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Supported Employment & Job Coaching (EDAKANAE), Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Job search assistance
• Registered apprenticeship programs
• Career coaching services
• Employment training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Battle Creek

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Michigan Works! Southwest is a workforce development agency funded through state and federal funds, including Wagner-Peyser funding and workforce development grants.
2. Going PRO Talent Fund Administration: The organization administers the Going PRO Talent Fund, a state grant program that provides funding to Michigan employers for customized short-term training to enhance skills of current employees, encourage new hires, and expand apprenticeship programs. $27.6 million was available statewide in 2019.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Michigan Works! Southwest is a publicly funded workforce development agency that connects job seekers with employment opportunities and helps employers recruit qualified talent across Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties in Southwest Michigan. It provides career coaching, job search assistance, training programs, registered apprenticeships, employer recruitment, and grant administration (including the Going PRO Talent Fund) through four service centers and neighborhood-based Employment HUBs. The organization also delivers specialized programs for veterans, youth, individuals with disabilities, and food assistance recipients.

Product overview

Michigan Works! Southwest is a workforce development organization that operates as a unified service platform rather than a traditional product company. The organization provides a comprehensive portfolio of employment and training services across Branch, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Counties in Southwest Michigan. Core offerings include employer-facing services (Business Solutions, Going PRO Talent Fund, Employer Resource Network, Apprenticeships) and job seeker services (Job Search, Veteran Services, Neighborhood Employment HUBs, Youth and Young Professionals programs). Specialized initiatives include Healthcare Pathways with associated training and resources, Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) for youth career readiness, Vision for Prosperity pre-apprenticeship training, and the Food Assistance Employment & Training (FAE&T) program. Additional support services encompass Career Stories video series, Career Explorer Tool, Financial Literacy Workshops, and Employer of the Day hiring events. The organization also administers the Future of Work Grand Challenge training programs and facilitates expungement assistance through community fairs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Business Solutions Employer recruitment and job placement services including job postings, application management, job fairs facilitation, and on-the-job training coordination. Targeted at businesses in Southwest Michigan seeking skilled workforce and talent recruitment support.
• Going PRO Talent Fund State grant program administered by Michigan Works! Southwest that provides funding to Michigan employers for customized short-term training to enhance employee skills, encourage new hires, and expand apprenticeship programs. $27.6 million was available statewide in 2019.
• Employer Resource Network (ERN) Network providing employers with resources and success coaching to support workforce development and employee retention. Helps businesses address barriers facing their workforce.
• Registered Apprenticeships Registered apprenticeship programs connecting job seekers with employers for paid on-the-job training across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. Michigan Works! Southwest became a USDOL Office of Apprenticeship intermediary in August 2024 to hold program standards.
• Employer Led Collaboratives Industry-led collaborative initiatives bringing employers together to address shared workforce development needs and industry-specific talent pipelines.
• Job Search Assistance Job placement assistance and career development services for job seekers including resume support, interview preparation, and access to the Pure Michigan Talent Connect job bank.
• Veteran Services Specialized employment and training services for veterans and military spouses transitioning to civilian careers, delivered in partnership with Michigan Veterans' Employment Services.
• Neighborhood Employment HUBs Community-based workforce development centers providing neighborhood-level employment services, job placement, employability skills building, and connections to training opportunities.
• Youth and Young Professionals Programs Programs including Young Professionals (YP) and Young Professionals Plus providing workforce readiness, job training, and career exploration for young adults entering the workforce.
• Training Opportunities Occupational training programs and skills development opportunities across various industries including healthcare, trades, and technology, delivered in coordination with community colleges and training providers.
• At Your Desktop Training Computer literacy and digital skills training workshops available virtually to help job seekers build essential digital competencies.
• Labor Market Information Data and analytics on employment trends, job market conditions, and career outlook to guide workforce and career decisions for job seekers and employers.
• Healthcare Pathways Career guidance program directing individuals toward healthcare industry opportunities with resources, training information, and employment connections.
• Healthcare Training Programs Comprehensive listing of healthcare training programs including Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Phlebotomist, EMT, Dental Hygiene, CT Technologist, MRI Technologist, Radiography, Respiratory Care, Nursing, and therapy programs through partner community colleges.
• Jobs for Michigan's Graduates (JMG) Youth career readiness program providing students with classroom instruction, mentoring, and career development activities leading to graduation and employment. Achieved 5-of-5 award for four consecutive years.
• Vision for Prosperity Pre-apprenticeship training program designed to help residents qualify for apprenticeships in construction trades.
• Food Assistance Employment & Training (FAE&T) Program connecting food assistance recipients with employment and training activities including job search, workfare, and vocational training, in partnership with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
• WIOA Youth Programming Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act programs providing employment, education, and training services to youth facing barriers to employment.
• Career Explorer Tool Online career exploration resource helping job seekers make data-driven decisions about career and training goals using labor market information.
• Employer of the Day Events Virtual and in-person hiring events featuring direct employer interactions for job seekers to connect with hiring managers.
• Financial Literacy Workshops Workshop series helping adults with financial barriers learn banking, budgeting, and financial management skills to support employment stability.
• P.A.T.H. Program Employment program providing appreciation, respect, and career pathways for individuals facing employment barriers.
• Future of Work Grand Challenge Free job skills training programs as part of a $6 million national initiative to support individuals impacted by COVID-19.
• Career Stories Video Series Video series showcasing career fields and day-in-the-life perspectives from professionals across industries including Healthcare, Finance, Education, IT, Engineering, Hospitality, Public Safety, Logistics, Production, and HR/Business Services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Jobs for Michigan's Graduates achieved 5-of-5 award for fourth consecutive year
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• PulsecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership with Pulse for USDOL's first Job Quality Academy; one of 16 teams selected nationally to develop plans to enhance good jobs
• W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment ResearchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates on workforce development initiatives; WDB directed by partnership with W.E. Upjohn Institute; conducted director search resulting in hiring of Jakki Bungart-Bibb as director
• Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages Career and Technical Education (CTE) grants; Career Connect career pathway planning programming; Youth Solutions JMG program; hosts industry tours for students
• Kellogg Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional Manufacturing Technology Center (RMTC) for specialized training; hosts Registered Apprenticeship roundtable events; CTE and workforce training programs
• Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides healthcare training, career exploration, and workforce development programs including medical assistant apprenticeships with employers
• Glen Oaks Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare training programs including nursing, medical assistant, and phlebotomist certifications
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFAE&T program for food assistance recipients; temporary assistance programs; Medicaid services; child support navigator services
• Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner for workforce development; Going PRO Talent Fund administration; Race to Talent Registered Apprenticeship campaign; LEO Director Susan Corbin partnership
• U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSDOL Office of Apprenticeship intermediary partnership; Job Quality Academy participation; apprenticeship program standards and support
• United Way of South Central MichigancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDrives impact through shared efforts engaging diverse people, ideas and resources for community benefit
• Michigan Veterans' Employment ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeterans employment services; resources for veterans and military spouses transitioning to civilian life
• Michigan Rehabilitation ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialized employment and education-related services for individuals with disabilities
• Bureau of Services for Blind PersonscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment services for people who are blind or visually impaired seeking independence through employment
• Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit providing employment and training services to unemployed and underemployed Michigan residents
• Michigan Career and Technical InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational opportunities for adults with disabilities including career assessment and job investigation
• Michigan Department of CorrectionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development services for individuals transitioning from corrections system
• Battle Creek UnlimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development arm for Battle Creek; private nonprofit helping to grow local business
• Southwest Michigan FirstcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development organization cultivating and building resilient economy in Southwest Michigan
• Branch County Literacy CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquips adults in Branch County with reading skills through literacy programs
• Kalamazoo Literacy CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit coordinating volunteers to help adults learn to read; free individualized programs
• St. Joseph County Literacy CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks with adults wanting to learn to read; volunteers help at any skill level
• Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer Connect career pathway planning program providing academic enrichment, job training, and workforce readiness for youth

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Year Up: National nonprofit providing workforce training, internships, and job placement for young adults facing barriers to employment — directly comparable JMG-style youth programming and employer partnership model.
• Detroit at Work (Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation): City-level workforce development agency in Michigan offering job seeker services, employer recruitment, and training programs — same WIOA/American Job Center framework with broader urban scope.
• Workforce Solutions (Texas Workforce Commission): Workforce development board serving multiple Texas counties with job placement, employer services, apprenticeship, and training — directly comparable to the MW! Southwest multi-county workforce development model.
• West Michigan Works!: Adjacent Michigan Works! agency serving the lakeshore region (Muskegon, Ottawa, etc.) with the same WIOA-aligned workforce development, employer solutions, and apprenticeship intermediary model.
• Goodwill Industries of Greater Grand Rapids: Nonprofit workforce development provider in Michigan offering job training, placement, and supportive services for people facing barriers to employment — comparable mission around job readiness and barriers-to-employment populations.
• Michigan Works! Southeast (Macomb-St. Clair Workforce Development Board / Southeast Michigan Community Alliance): Another Michigan Works! agency delivering the same WIOA-funded job seeker, employer, and apprenticeship services in a different region of Michigan. Directly comparable in mandate, funding model, and service portfolio.
• Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties (NY): Generic WIOA-funded local workforce development board offering job search, employer recruiting, apprenticeship, and training services in a multi-county rural/regional footprint — comparable federal funding model and service mix.

Emerging players

• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free IT and skilled trades training with employer partnerships — overlaps with MW! Southwest's technical training, apprenticeship, and employer-led collaborative offerings.

Others

• Indeed / LinkedIn (job matching platforms): Major online job matching platforms that compete with MW! Southwest's Pure Michigan Talent Connect-based job search services — not a PE target but a structural competitor for employer job postings and job seeker placement.

Broad incumbents

• Robert Half International: Major national staffing and placement firm operating in the same employment services space as MW! Southwest's Business Solutions and Going PRO Talent Fund — a broad incumbent competitor for employer recruitment and job placement.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZJp4Zq9k
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/michigan-works-southwest

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Michigan Works! Southwest