The Lakeshore Region’s Economic GPS

 

NEWS  •  EVENTS  •  INVEST

OUR WORK

 

Founded in 2003 by business and community leaders, Lakeshore Advantage is a non-profit economic development organization that connects businesses to the resources they need to grow in Allegan and Ottawa Counties.

 

Our mission is to grow a vibrant regional economy for Allegan and Ottawa Counties, where current and future generations want to live and work.

 

Our vision: to be a business and talent magnet.

 

We grow, plan, and solve to ensure a bright economic future.

GROW

We support business retention and expansion across Allegan and Ottawa Counties while strategically attracting companies that strengthen our core industries.

 

PLAN

Through SURGE and our entrepreneurial network, we are developing scalable, growth-oriented companies that will anchor the region’s future economy.

 

SOLVE

Our Strategic Initiatives team advances cross-sector solutions that position the Lakeshore for sustained economic resilience.

REAL IMPACT IN ACTION

  • $131.9M in private investment

  • 800+ jobs

  • 120+ start-ups navigated

  • 800+ acres prepared for development

In 2025, for every $1 invested in Lakeshore Advantage, $40 was returned to our economy through private investment.

 

Lakeshore Advantage team members serve on 44 external boards or advisory committees to ensure the voice of our primary employers is at the table.

 

Read the 2025 Annual Report to see how we put your investment to work.

 

What Sets Us Apart

Our team is constantly working to cultivate a business environment that benefits businesses, employees, and the region. We:

  • 1

    Conduct unique primary research and utilize secondary data to benchmark our region’s competitiveness.

  • 2

    Act as a current or future primary employer’s team member to tackle challenges and assist with growth opportunities.

  • 3

    Cultivate ideas between public, private, and non-profit sectors to position our community for growth.

  • 4

    Share the region’s business value proposition and provide thought leadership to the broader community.

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