Why Wayne?
Wayne County stands out as a premier gateway to the global marketplace, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses seeking to thrive in today’s competitive environment. With a diverse and skilled workforce, state of the art infrastructure, and robust industrial assets, our region is uniquely equipped to design, build, and ship an extensive range of products. Companies of all sizes find that Wayne County not only supports their operational needs, but also fosters innovation and growth across various sectors. With over 30,000 companies already recognizing the benefits of operating within Wayne County, it’s clear that this region is not just a place to set up shop but a thriving community where businesses can flourish. From established manufacturing giants to innovative startups, Wayne County offers a fertile ground for growth, making it an ideal destination for enterprises seeking to capitalize on emerging market trends.
Access to the Regional Market
Within 1-Hour Drive
- Over 30,000 businesses
- 1,300 foreign firms from 39 countries
- 25+ Industry groups & associates
- 5.1 million residents
- 11 Fortune 500 companies
Michigan Business Climate
Center for North American Auto Industry
- 16 Automakers
- 12 Assembly Plants
- 19% of U.S. Auto Production
- 62% of U.S. automotive R&D investment: $10 billion annually
- 1,800 auto suppliers, including 60 of the top 100 suppliers in North America. 96 of the Top 100 automotive suppliers have a presence in Michigan.
Access to the World
Center of International Trade
- $300+ million in trade crossing each day at the Detroit/Windsor border
- The Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority overseas millions of tons of international and domestic cargo per year at 29 terminal facilities
- International Customs Service is available at 4 airports, including Detroit Metro Airport, which has daily non-stop passenger service to more than 160 international locations including Japan, China, Europe
- 4 Class One Railways & 11 interstate Highways
- Nearly half of the US & Canadian population live within 500 miles
Access to Talent
-
2.3 million in the regional labor force
- Michigan is ranked #1 in available skilled labor
- Detroit is experiencing faster growth in the IT sector than Silicon Valley
- 60+ job training programs
- 600,000+ manufacturing workers in Michigan, 231,000 in the Detroit region
Access to Land
The Detroit Region Aerotropolis (DRA) is a four-community, two-county public-private partnership driving corporate expansion & new investments around Detroit Metro and Willow Run Airports. The DRA offers 6,000 acres of Greenfield development opportunities.
The Michigan International Technology Center is located in Western Wayne County. It is a multi-community collaborative effort with access to over 500 acres of land for development. Available sites range from 4 to 100 acres.
Access to Innovation
American Center for Mobility
- 500+ acre campus that focuses on the testing, verification, & certification of next gen vehicles
Wayne State University
- MS in Data Science & Business Analytics accommodates the high-demand field of analytics
University of Michigan - Dearborn
- Engineering & Computer Science program is ranked among the top for 18 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report
Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow
- Develops & Deploys advanced lightweight materials & cutting-edge manufacturing technologies
The Michigan Life Science & Innovation Center
- Life science incubator supports the development of new products and technologies
Access to Assistance
Incentive Coordination
- Local Tax abatement
- State & Federal Incentives
- Brownfield redevelopment support
Site Location Assistance
- Site Searches
- Confidential Site Tours
- Expedited Permitting
Business Connections
- Pure Michigan Business Connect is your B2B connection
- Federal & County procurement assistance
Access to Capital
- Energy Efficiency upgraded loans
- SBA fixed asset loans
- Industrial Revenue Bond Financing
- Funding Preparation
- Loan review & packaging
"We're taking a back-to-the-basics approach to economic development, focusing on infrastructure, public safety, and government services to help create the best possible environment for business to thrive. We believe every job and business is important and offer the resources to help business launch, expand, and relocate."
Warren C. Evans
Wayne County Executive
WayneLINC
Are you a Wayne County resident ready to take charge of your career journey? WayneLINC is here to support you in securing and maintaining meaningful employment. This groundbreaking $20 million initiative provides Learning, Investment, Navigation, and Career opportunities specifically for Wayne County residents. WayneLINC - SEMCA Michigan Works!
Wayne County Economic Outlook 2021-2023(PDF, 5MB)
Wayne County's economy continues to make significant progress.
Wayne County Retail Study
Wayne County recently completed its county-wide retail corridor study.