The vision of the Muskegon Lakeshore is brighter than ever. The vision is to create a model waterfront community where all people may prosper in a healthy environment. This vision is a product of the Muskegon Area-Wide Plan; many organizations were involved including the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Area First, the local units of government, and the West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Commission.
It's a great time to invest in the Muskegon Lakeshore. Manufacturing expansion and attraction projects are managed by Muskegon Area First, the county's economic development corporation. They will assist in site selection for any project resulting in capital investment and job creation. They are located in the Hines Building along with the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and other business service organizations.
It's a great time to invest in the Muskegon's beautiful downtown as it continues to grow and thrive. Making the necessary public and private investments in downtown creates an environment that spurs larger regional investments. These dollars are returned to the community many times over through higher property values, new jobs, new residents and renewed civic pride. Click here for more reasons of why downtown's are so important. Downtown Muskegon Now can assist you with your downtown investment. Contact Director Andrew Haan at 231-724-3180.
We are excited you are considering the Muskegon Lakeshore for your business location. This may be a once in a life time opportunity and we want to help you do everything on time and on budget. It is important for you to know that opening a storefront, office or any business facility is not like buying or renting a house. The process is much more complex whether you plan to build, expand, buy or lease.
Location considerations include real estate, zoning ordinances, parking and signage, market research, taxes and utilities and transportation. Weather you are building or buying, keep in mind the cost for building, fire, electrical, and pluming inspections. Also, be sure to obtain any State or local permits required for building or certifications are available as well, such as the LEED certification through the US Green Building Counsel.
The community is here to help. Contact your local municipality today for more information.
It is important to do your research before you sign any contract. Fees can range from $25 dollars to $30,000 dollars for items critical to your operation. Those costs need to be built into the project budget to ensure a successful opening. Also architects, attorneys, builders and engineers will often offer you one free hour of consultation for your project. For a fee, some of these companies will manage the entire process for you. Some may only offer specific services. You will need to have a clear understanding about what services are being provided and for what fees. Click here to find a developer, architect, engineer, financial advisor or institution that meets your needs.
Since every industry is different and may be governed by different regulations, it may be wise to schedule an appointment with SCORE or an SBA counselor. In Muskegon County free counseling is offered Monday through Friday at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce office. For an appointment call 231-722-3751.
As Muskegon transitions into the global economy, it is important we support the local businesses that provide local employment, tax revenue and the goods and services we need. Where we spend money does matter!
Spend a dollar at a local business, and it will circulate in our community more often and more quickly than if we spend that dollar at a non-local business - up to six times more. This means:
-more people get a paycheck
-pay their bills
-purchase goods & services from their friends & neighbors.
If everyone in Muskegon spent $100 at locally-owned businesses...it would pump $10.5 million back into the local economy!
Find a local business>>>
Find out how the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce could benefit you.
