A Catalyst for Growth in the Heart of Detroit

295,000 alumni

(more than 70%) live and work in Michigan

2,025

residents attracted and retained through Live Midtown

715

Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business Detroit graduates since 2013

As the 12th largest employer in Detroit, with a $2.4 billion annual economic impact, Wayne State is a powerful economic driver. The Office of Economic Development (OED) was established in 2011 to lead the university's efforts to stimulate growth in our Midtown neighborhood and Detroit, the city we proudly call home.

Woodward | Warren Park. MoGo. The growth of nearly 800 small businesses, largely Black- and women-owned, like The Social Club and Walker-Miller Energy. Free transit passes for Wayne State students. Fundraising and support for the Wayne State University (WSU) Police Department. Live Midtown. Over the last decade, all of these projects and more have been launched, led or impacted by OED.

Now, in our 11th year, OED is working in close partnership with campus and community partners to help our city and region emerge from the economic challenges of today ready to embrace the opportunities of tomorrow. We envision and contribute to an increasingly vibrant Detroit and Michigan with equitable access to opportunity and lasting prosperity for all. Learn more.

decorative
Celebrating A Decade of Impact and Excellence
video-play