Courtesy of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Southwest Michigan has long been the home of some of Michigan’s most iconic businesses, from WK Kellogg Co. in Battle Creek to Whirlpool in Benton Harbor. While globally recognized businesses in a variety of industries hail from the region, it’s also a well-known hotspot for mid-sized and small businesses, as well as emerging entrepreneurs.
The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) proudly supports businesses of all sizes and industries in communities across the state, including Southwest Michigan, carrying out its decades-long mission of fostering long-term economic prosperity through community investment, job growth, and positioning Michigan as a premier destination for business and talent worldwide.
The impact of the MEDC’s mission and initiatives can be felt in Southwest Michigan through recent developments with homegrown businesses like Special-lite and Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet. Special-lite, a commercial door and entrance manufacturer based in the Village of Decatur, is constructing a new facility that’s expected to create 55 jobs and generate $15,652,000 in capital investment. In March 2025, the company received funding from the Michigan Strategic Fund (MSF) for $250,000 through a Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) grant.
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, a leading manufacturer of world-class appliances and cabinetry for outdoor cooking and entertaining, announced it was moving manufacturing operations from Montreal to Kalamazoo after a merger with Montreal-based Urban Bonfire. The company considered relocating to the Montreal or Chicago area; however, with the support of the MSF through an MBDP grant valued at $200,000, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet will remain in Michigan.
“We’re proud that Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet carries the Kalamazoo name and awareness to high-end markets and consumers everywhere,” said Southwest Michigan First CEO Jonas Peterson. “Southwest Michigan First has partnered with Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet for years, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with the MEDC to support them in bringing production of the Urban Bonfire product line to Comstock Charter Township. Their significant investment and creation of 22 new production and assembly jobs are highly beneficial for our region.”
Behind these success stories and others around Michigan are strategic programs and incentives designed to help businesses expand, innovate, and thrive. From financial assistance and tax incentives to workforce development and site selection support, the MEDC offers a range of resources that empower businesses to achieve their goals.
Support and Incentives
Small Business Assistance and Resources
Small businesses are the foundation of every community in Michigan. The MEDC and its network of local and regional partners, like the Michigan Small Business Development Center, provide small businesses with training resources, industry connections, workforce support, and more.
Michigan Economic Opportunity Fund
The MEDC believes the Michigan economy should benefit everyone. The Opportunity Fund is a loan program designed for women, veterans, and entrepreneurs of color who don’t qualify for traditional loans. This program provides business opportunities for those who are socially and economically disadvantaged due to a lack of access to capital and credit.
Capital Access Programs for Small Businesses
The MEDC works directly with lenders who provide traditional financing to small businesses through a variety of programs. Over the past 10 years, the MEDC has deployed over $180 million to lenders across the state, assisting over 250 small businesses and leveraging nearly $100 million in private investments.
Business Development Services
International Trade Services
The MEDC loves to see Michigan businesses grow beyond the Great Lakes. Its International Trade services equip Michigan-based businesses with resources and even financial assistance to jump-start eligible businesses’ foray into foreign markets. The State Trade Expansion Program (MI-STEP) provides 50% reimbursement, up to $15,000 annually, to eligible small businesses for export-related activities.
The MEDC also has five International Trade Centers, which help businesses conduct critical business functions like market research, market entry strategies, matchmaking meetings, and more for regions all over the world.
Black Swamp Percussion, a Zeeland-based instrument manufacturer, was able to leverage MI-STEP and the International Trade Centers to extend its reach far beyond Michigan. Black Swamp Percussion is represented by dealers on six of seven continents, with increased sales in Italy and New Zealand.
“The MEDC has assisted us in foreign trade missions, conventions with international reach, vetting new dealers in foreign countries, aiding our understanding of working with other business cultures, and many other various questions we have had,” says Eric Sooy, founder of Black Swamp Percussion. “Our international sales now account for over 1/3 of our business, much of that quantifiably attributed to MEDC’s expertise and support.”
Entrepreneurial Support
Entrepreneurs have started some of Michigan’s most well-known companies, and providing entrepreneurial support helps drive Michigan’s economy forward. The MEDC provides a variety of entrepreneurial support, including connecting entrepreneurs with Michigan’s world-class universities and colleges to support groundbreaking endeavors.
Incentive Programs
The MEDC’s incentive programs are performance-based plans to spur economic development for Michigan businesses.
Michigan Business Development
The MBDP is designed to help businesses that make investments or create qualified new jobs in Michigan. Businesses can apply for consideration by contacting their local economic development office or their region’s MEDC business development manager.
Strategic Site Readiness
The MEDC’s mission is truly state-wide. The strategic site readiness program provides financial incentives to conduct eligible activities on or related to strategic sites all over Michigan. By strategically creating a statewide inventory of investment-ready sites, Michigan can thoughtfully attract and promote investment opportunities.
New Jobs Training
This leverages Michigan’s incredible education resources to provide flexible funding for employee training needs and free training for employers creating new jobs or expanding operations in Michigan.
Businesses in Southwest Michigan can take full advantage of these opportunities by connecting with the MEDC and its local and regional partners to explore funding, workforce development, site selection, and international trade support. These initiatives are just a portion of the many resources available to help businesses succeed, ensuring that companies in every industry have the tools they need to grow and compete on a global scale.
Learn more and Take advantage of the MEDC resources available to your business
Article Sponsored by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation
