MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw Marks 19 Months of Progress

Following its transition from Ascension St. Mary’s in August 2024, MyMichigan Health has expanded services, upgraded technology and facilities, strengthened recruitment and improved financial performance in Saginaw over the past 19 months. Key accomplishments include redesignation as a Level II Trauma Center, Comprehensive Stroke Recertification, FlightCare reaccreditation, implementation of EPIC electronic medical records, new cancer and imaging technology, and more than $3 million in patient care upgrades.

The organization also partnered with Central Michigan University and Covenant HealthCare on the future MyMichigan Health Medical Education Building in Saginaw, expected to break ground in fall 2026. Workforce retention and specialty care recruitment improved, while community partnerships and wellness initiatives expanded across the region. Additional recognition included a Leapfrog Grade A Hospital Safety Score, Joint Commission certification in hip and knee replacement, and U.S. News & World Report recognition for heart failure care.

• Workforce development and recruitment
• $3,000,000+ investment​
• City of Saginaw​

The Brunch Guy Opens

CT Legacy Ventures LLC have launched The Brunch Guy, a new chef-driven brunch restaurant in Old Town Saginaw designed to enhance the district’s dining and placemaking environment. The concept offers a high-quality, experience-focused brunch destination. Saginaw Future assisted with activation of an Saginaw Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) loan to help support the project’s startup and buildout.

• 8 jobs​
• 3,900 square feet​
• $281,000 investment​
• City of Saginaw, Saginaw Downtown Development A​uthority (DDA)
• SEDC Loan

Covenant Mackinaw Campus Expansion

Covenant HealthCare plans to construct a new 25,700-square-foot orthopedic and specialty medical office building on its Mackinaw Campus in Saginaw Township. The outpatient-focused building will include Covenant OrthoExpress, an orthopedic-focused urgent care. Saginaw Future assisted Covenant with Hospital Revenue Bonds issued by the City of Saginaw Hospital Finance Authority, to help finance the investment.

• 60 jobs​
• 25,700 square feet​
• $25,000,000 investment​
• Saginaw Charter Township​
• City of Saginaw Hospital Finance Authority

Big O Hot Chicken Opens In Old Town Saginaw

Omar Linder, owner of Big O Burgers & Barbecue, is expanding with a new location in Old Town Saginaw, bringing renewed activity to a recently vacant, high-visibility space along Michigan Avenue. The locally owned concept continues to grow its regional footprint while strengthening dining options and investment in Old Town. Saginaw Future assisted both the business and property owner with site selection services to secure the location.​

• 10 jobs​
• 1,540 square feet​
• $100,000 investment​
• City of Saginaw, Saginaw DDA​
• Site Selection Services

7/11 Gas & Convenience Under Construction

Akkadian Development in partnership with Shaheen Development is redeveloping a formerly vacant Walgreens site located at 409 W. Genesee Ave in the City of Saginaw into a new convenience store and gas station, repurposing the site for active commercial use. The development supports downtown economic activity by transforming an underperforming location into a productive asset at a key intersection. Saginaw Future assisted with brownfield incentive support and coordination. 

• 10 jobs​
• 4,853 square feet​
• $7,351,000 investment​
• City of Saginaw, Saginaw DDA​
• Brownfield Redevelopment

Cabaret Trail Housing Moving Forward

Great Lakes Properties LLC, Cabaret Trail Housing Project, is the first in Saginaw County to utilize the Housing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) incentive. Michigan recently expanded its Brownfield TIF laws to allow the tool to support housing development projects, not just environmental cleanup and commercial redevelopment. The Cabaret Trail Properties housing development will include 9 attainable, energy-efficient townhomes in Saginaw Township, targeting households earning 60–120% of the Area Median Income. The project emphasizes sustainability and will be the region’s first Passive House-Certified residential development. Saginaw Future supported the project through the County Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund and coordinated support at the township and county levels to advance the project in pursuit of the Housing TIF.

• 3 jobs​
• 11,088 square feet​
• $3,500,000 investment​
• Saginaw Charter Township​
• $900,000 MSHDA MI Neighborhood Grant
• Brownfield (Housing TIF) Project ​
• County Brownfield Loan $608,000

APEX Helps Businesses Win Government Contracts

The Region 5 Saginaw Future APEX Accelerator helps businesses identify and secure government contracting opportunities at the federal, state and local levels. During the first quarter, APEX supported 15 companies that collectively secured 158 government contracts totaling more than $7.1 million.

The federal government is one of the world’s largest purchasers of goods and services, while state and local governments also represent significant contracting opportunities. APEX provides no-cost assistance to help companies better understand and pursue government contracts.

Employer Roadmap to Child Care

A new summer webinar will help Michigan business leaders explore child care as a workforce strategy.

Hosted by Pulse, the webinar will feature national experts, employers and policy leaders discussing child care solutions, financing options, workplace benefits and employer-led ecosystem building. It is designed for employers, HR leaders, chambers of commerce, economic developers and child care advocates across Michigan.

The Employer Roadmap to Child Care is Aug. 12 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. ET. Registration is available online through Pulse.

Housing Resources

Rural Funding Tool — A free beta tool that helps rural communities find federal grant opportunities. Enter your county and it surfaces relevant grants ranked using USDA Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, Census demo, and program eligibility.

USDA Income and Property Eligibility Site (U.S. Department of Agriculture) — Check property and household eligibility for USDA Rural Development loan and grant programs by location and income.

Rural Economic Development Tool (Center on Rural Innovation) — 25 county-level economic indicators covering workforce, entrepreneurship, broadband, and more. Useful for planning, grants, and storytelling.

Saginaw Soup Continues to Grow Local Entrepreneurship

Saginaw Soup continues to strengthen the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing aspiring business owners with funding, exposure, and community support. Since launching in 2020, the program has awarded more than $40,000 in cash prizes to local entrepreneurs, helping turn innovative ideas into successful businesses.

The most recent Pitch Competition was held June 25 and it featured entrepreneurs presenting their business concepts to a live audience for a chance to earn funding. Lollipops Indoor Playground captured first place and received a $3,500 cash prize as part of the event's $6,500 total prize pool. 

The program's continued success is made possible through the generous support of Huntington Bank, Saginaw DDA, Frankenmuth Credit Union, Wildfire Credit Union, ChoiceOne Bank, Saginaw Future, Jolt Credit Union, Independent Bank, ELGA Credit Union, and the Bridgeport DDA.

Great Lakes Bay MICHIGAN. CENTERED.

SFI 2025

Award Companies

Explore Our 2025 Annual Report

Saginaw Future's Featured Contributors

Saginaw Future's Outstanding Contributors!

Data Resources

• Michigan's Hot 50 Job Outlook through 2032
• Michigan Industry Workforce Analysis Reports
• Click for the Latest Michigan's Labor Market News