This report examines the economic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Ann Arbor, highlighting their role in business creation and economic growth. In 2024, immigrant business owners generated approximately $116 M in total personal earnings, with average annual earnings of $104,139. They are especially active in Transportation &
Warehousing, Accommodation & Food Services, and Retail, while the largest groups of entrepreneurs were born in China, India, and Mexico. By documenting these contributions, the report demonstrates how immigrant-owned businesses strengthen local economies and provides evidence to support a more accurate narrative of immigrants as entrepreneurs, employers, and drivers of regional prosperity.

This report examines the economic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids, highlighting their role in business creation and economic growth. In 2024, immigrant business owners generated approximately $71 M in total personal earnings, with average annual earnings of $55,938. They are especially active in Educational Services, Manufacturing, and Construction, while the largest groups of entrepreneurs were born in Mexico, Jamaica, and Vietnam. By documenting these contributions, the report demonstrates how immigrant-owned businesses strengthen local economies and provides evidence to support a more accurate narrative of immigrants as entrepreneurs, employers, and drivers of regional prosperity.

This report examines the economic contributions of immigrant entrepreneurs in Michigan, highlighting their role in business creation and economic growth. In 2024, immigrant business owners generated approximately $1,927 M in total personal earnings, with average annual earnings of $101,513. They are especially active in Transportation& Warehousing, Construction, and Accommodation & Food Services, while the largest groups of entrepreneurs were born in Iraq, India, and Mexico. By documenting these contributions, the report demonstrates how immigrant-owned businesses strengthen local economies and provides evidence to support a more accurate narrative of immigrants as entrepreneurs, employers, and drivers of regional prosperity.

The Global Entrepreneur in Residence (Global EIR) Impact Report highlights the significant achievements of the Global EIR program in driving economic growth and innovation in Michigan and beyond. The report documents how Global EIR connects international startup founders with Michigan universities, enabling them to teach, mentor students, and grow their companies while contributing directly to the state’s innovation economy.

According to the “High School Kids in Immigrant Families” study commissioned by Global Detroit, 300,000 Michigan kids live in immigrant families, where at least one person was born outside the U.S. Of these, 70,000 are Michigan high school students — 15% of all Michigan high schoolers — including 17,000 in each graduating class over the next four years. Conducted by the Immigration Research Initiative (IRI) and the Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP), and funded by Global Detroit, the study reinforces the need to create pathways for immigrants seeking postsecondary education and brings to light the increasingly important role community colleges play in serving international, immigrant, refugee, and first-generation students.

According to survey research, immigrant Detroiters are every bit as eager to become homeowners as non-immigrant residents. This study sheds light on barriers that may explain lower homeownership rates among immigrant Detroiters, including significantly less awareness of credit scores and lower usage of bank accounts. The study indicates that building more inclusive financial literacy, budgeting, banking, and homeownership programs will pay tremendous dividends for increasing homeownership in Detroit.

The Banglatown Vision + Action Plan (2016) is a community-driven strategy developed to revitalize an immigrant-rich neighborhood straddling Detroit and Hamtramck. Created with input from over 350 stakeholders, the plan addresses decades of disinvestment by leveraging local strengths like independent business culture and a vibrant arts scene. It outlines actionable strategies for safety, economic prosperity, and housing rehabilitation. Key priorities include fostering cross-cultural cohesion through "Neighborhood Voices," providing dedicated women’s resources, and repurposing vacant land for green space. Ultimately, the plan empowers residents to access vital information and celebrates diversity as a core strength.