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 shut down.

The County leadership was looking for a way to identify small and micro businesses in order to help them navigate this strange new world.

The Economic Outlook forecast for Oakland County in 2020 identified that the county overall was in good economic shape, but that there were several regions that were underperforming. 

Oakland Thrive works to bolster economic development throughout Oakland County, an affluent and desirable area that attracts both residents and business owners. Currently, many regions in Oakland County have household incomes that greatly exceed the average across Michigan and our nation, especially the City of Birmingham and Bloomfield Township. However, other areas, including cities such as Pontiac and Auburn Hills, have incomes far below the statewide average and that of neighboring communities. By connecting with small and micro businesses in every Oakland County region and providing free support and services, Oakland Thrive will close prosperity gaps and level the playing field for all of the areas we serve.