Building a thriving, inclusive economy — together

During the pandemic, Oakland County jumped into action to support small businesses that were struggling to survive — and then to come back to life after an extended shutdown. County leadership was looking for a way to identify small and micro businesses in order to help them navigate a strange new world.

The 2020 Economic Outlook forecast found that Oakland County overall was in good economic shape, but that several regions were underperforming. While cities such as Birmingham and Bloomfield Township enjoy incomes well above the state and national average, other areas — including Pontiac and Auburn Hills — have incomes far below. By connecting with small and micro businesses in every Oakland County region and providing free support and services, Oakland Thrive works to close prosperity gaps and level the playing field.

Oakland County was awarded funding from federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, which required recipients to invest in programs that would be transformational and sustainable. The under-performing PUMA regions were also those with higher rates of minority-owned small businesses — and so the idea of an organization that could itself become sustainable, and in turn be a transformational resource, became Oakland Thrive.

Oakland Thrive opened in March of 2023 and partners with Oakland County and other statewide and regional organizations to help realize the county’s vibrant and inclusive economy through direct small business support, project management, defense and aerospace development, and business intelligence.