Economic Development

Business owners stand with city staff and City Commissioners at a ribbon cutting for Dessert First

Our Mission

Kalamazoo’s Economic Development team helps build a strong, inclusive, and resilient local economy. We support local businesses, attract new investment, create good jobs, and strengthen neighborhoods so everyone can share in our city’s success. We connect businesses, community partners, and City departments—linking people to resources, managing grants, and guiding development projects that make Kalamazoo a great place to live and work.

What We Do

Business Attraction & Retention
  • Recruit new businesses to the city to create jobs and expand the local economy.
  • Support existing businesses with resources, coaching, and tailored assistance.
Business Support & Growth
  • Help local businesses innovate, expand, and overcome challenges.
  • Connect entrepreneurs to financing, training, and technical support.
Job Creation
  • Implement workforce initiatives that generate employment opportunities.
  • Partner with organizations to provide training and upskilling for residents.
Tax Base Enhancement
  • Drive business development and investment to grow city revenues.
  • Support sustainable growth that funds public services and infrastructure.
Community Development
  • Revitalize neighborhoods and improve public spaces.
  • Foster initiatives that enhance livability and community well-being.
Real Estate & Development
  • Manage and market city-owned properties.
  • Facilitate new construction and redevelopment projects.
Grant & Funding Management
  • Secure and administer federal, state, and local grants.
  • Provide funding opportunities for community and business development.
Strategic Planning
  • Study market trends and create long-term growth strategies.
  • Develop policies and recommendations to guide economic development.
Liaison Role
  • Act as the main point of contact between businesses, community groups, and city departments.
  • Build partnerships that align public and private goals.

How We Work

Programs: Tailored grant, loan, and workforce training programs designed to meet community needs.

Partnerships: Collaborations with nonprofits, universities, investors, and business networks to expand resources and expertise.

Community Focus: Initiatives grounded in local priorities and designed to benefit residents and businesses alike.

Partner Organizations

We collaborate with a wide range of local, regional, and national partners to provide support and resources for businesses at every stage:

  • Room 35 – Business development, program, and education firm specializing in construction industry support.
  • Michigan SBDC – Free consulting, market research, and business education for entrepreneurs.
  • APEX Accelerator – Helps businesses contract with federal, state, and local government.
  • Can Do Kalamazoo – Entrepreneur support hub offering incubation, commercial space, and food business resources through the Can-Do Kitchen.
  • SWM First & The Chamber – Business coaching, leadership training, networking, and the First Path Program for business growth.
  • El Concilio – Support services for Latinx residents and families.
  • 1 Million Cups (1MC) – Weekly entrepreneur networking and resource-sharing community.
  • LISC – Flexible loans and technical support for small businesses in underserved areas.
  • Grow – Community Development Financial Institution offering small business loans up to $50,000.
  • Kalamazoo Forward Ventures – Mission-driven investment supporting underinvested founders and neighborhood projects.
  • United Way of South Central Michigan – Community engagement and Kalamazoo Micro Enterprise Grants (up to $5,000).
  • Kalamazoo Cannabis Chamber – Startup support, zoning guidance, and advocacy for cannabis businesses.
  • Kalamazoo Black Wall Street – Networking and empowerment for Black-owned businesses.
  • Kalamazoo Startup Center – Financial education, bookkeeping, and startup resources.
  • Northern Initiatives – Loans and business services for Michigan entrepreneurs.
  • SCORE – Free mentoring, training, and workshops from volunteer business experts.
  • Sisters in Business – Networking, competitions, and grant opportunities for women of color in business.
  • WMed Innovation Center – Incubator and coworking space for science, technology, and engineering startups.
  • Startup Zoo – Entrepreneur network providing mentorship and resource sharing.
  • W.E. Upjohn Institute – Research, job training, and workforce development programs.
  • Michigan Works! Southwest – Job placement, training, and recruitment for job seekers and employers.
  • Kalamazoo Contractors & Developers Connect – Networking and project opportunities for local contractors and developers.
  • Kalamazoo Entrepreneur Network – Events, mentorship, and business growth resources.
  • Kalamazoo County Land Bank – Revitalization of vacant properties for housing, commercial, and community use.

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