Economic Development

The Chamber is the center of economic development services and programs in Northwest Ottawa County. We provide data and contacts to potential new businesses. We have also developed solid relationships with neighboring communities through Economic Development Regional Collaboration and have brought educators and employers together through our Business & Education Partnerships programs. Our focus is retaining and growing our existing businesses by bringing the resources they need to stay competitive in today’s global economy.

Contact Mark Allen at mallen@grandhavenchamber.org for more information on any of the following.

Business Resources

Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) – PTAC is a free business resource to assist with socioeconomic certification as well as how to do business with the government.

Consumers Energy Business Solutions – Energy consultation from the team at Consumers Energy.

Grand Haven Board of Light & Power – Energy consultation from the team at Board of Light and Power.

SCORE – This is a program that offers free business mentoring, low-cost or no-cost business training, and numerous templates and tools to help you start or grow a business.

Surge powered by Lakeshore Advantage – Located in Holland, Surge provides startups with the tools and resources they need to launch and commercialize successful companies.

Lakeshore Fab Lab at Muskegon Community College’s Sturrus Center – Open to the public on a membership basis, the Lakeshore Fab Lab has high technology equipment with knowledgeable staff and volunteers.  The result is a community resource relevant and available to entrepreneurs, makers, families, school classes, clubs small and large businesses.

Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) – PMBC is a program through the State of Michigan that connects Michigan businesses in doing business with each other.

Small Business Administration (SBA) – The SBA has tools to help you plan your business, launch your business, manage your business and grow your business.  The Grand Rapids district office serves Ottawa County.

Michigan’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Free consulting services for small business owners in Michigan that provides training, events, and one-on-one business consulting.  The SBDC can help those who want to start a business, those who want to grow a business, and those who want to sell a business.  The SBDC is hosted by Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business.

Michigan’s SBDC Business Plan  – Free Outline to help you write a Business Plan.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) – MMTC offers consulting services to West Michigan manufacturers.  They offer assessments (no-cost), customized tools & services, collaborative user-groups and expert-led industry events.

West Michigan Food Processing Association FARM –  A product development incubator serving as an incubator kitchen for startups and growing businesses.

Grants and Incentives

Village of Spring Lake Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

  • Marketing Grant – Village of Spring Lake businesses may apply for up to $1,000 in matching grants for marketing and the promotion of their business and to strengthen the positive image of downtown Spring Lake.
  • Downtown Façade Grant Program – This grant program is a 50/50 matching grant of up to $5,000 per building for improvements to the exterior of the building entrance that enhance the aesthetics of the principle building and contribute to the overall aesthetics of the downtown district.
  • Fire Suppression and Elevator Assistance Program – This grant program is a 50/50 matching grant, up to $15,000, that is intended to provide an incentive for downtown business owners who own existing buildings to invest in older facilities within the DDA district.

City of Grand Haven

  • EDC/BRA COVID-19 Disaster Relief Loan Program – Small business relief loans designed to help City of Grand Haven businesses with 5 or less employees. Basic terms of the loan are $5,000 at 0% for 5 years. Qualifications and restrictions apply.

State of Michigan

  • MI-STEP Grant – The State of Michigan is offering financial assistance for exporting activities to eligible Michigan small businesses. Up to $15,000 is available to offset 75% of pre-approved expenses per fiscal year. Qualifications and restrictions apply.
  • Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Incentives – Fact sheets from a wide-array of incentives for Michigan businesses.

Workforce Development

Careerline Tech Center –  For high school students, programs for area schools in a wide array of future careers.

MCC’s Sturrus Technology Center – Manufacturing workforce development training for Applied Technologies, Experiential Learning, and Entrepreneur Institutes.  Programs include CAD, Electronics/Automation, Engineering, Machining, Materials, and Welding.

Thompson M-TEC – For adults taking the next step in their career to learn new skills.

West Michigan Works! (for Employers) – West Michigan Works! helps employers with access to recruiting, training & retention, hiring events, and regional initiatives to address talent, curriculum and advocacy issues.

West Michigan Works! (for Job Seekers) – West Michigan Works! helps job seekers find the first step toward a new job or career, explores careers, finds training opportunities.

Special Districts & Brownfield Redevelopment

Grand Haven Mainstreet DDA District

Grand Haven Township DDA District

Village of Spring Lake DDA District

Village of Spring Lake Commercial Redevelopment District

Ottawa County’s Brownfield

  • Entire County

City of Grand Haven’s Brownfield

  • Entire City

City of Ferrysburg’s Brownfield

  • Entire City