Author: KMF Infotech

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (October 12, 2023)—West Michigan economic development organizations Greater Muskegon Economic Development, Lakeshore Advantage, and The Right Place, Inc., in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), announces that $6.1 million in funding from the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) Program will help spur the development of 17 placemaking projects totaling over $41 million across the region. The funds were approved last week in Lansing at a special Michigan Strategic Fund meeting.

 

Holland Community Ice Skating Park – City of Holland, Ottawa County

 

RAP is an incentive program that deployed $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding to address the COVID-19 impacts in Michigan communities. This recent distribution is the second round of funding available to the region. In 2022, the region received $3.6 million to support nine projects.

 

The 17 projects receiving funding:

Fennville Downtown Amphitheater        City of Fennville, Allegan County                       $112,500

Mahan Park Improvement Project            City of Allegan, Allegan County                          $160,000

City of Hastings DDA Streetscape           City of Hastings, Barry County                           $474,500

Looking Glass River Plaza                         City of Portland, Ionia County                           $200,000

36th Street Marketplace                            City of Wyoming Kent County                           $450,000

Sullivan Field  Restoration                       City of Grand Rapids, Kent County                    $680,000

Dwight Lydell Park Restoration              Plainfield Township, Kent County                      $175,000

Cascade Library Outdoor Gardens          Cascade Twp, Kent County                                  $450,000

Improvements to Canal Park                    City of Grand Rapids, Kent County                   $750,000

Garden Club Park Phase II                        City of Rockford, Kent County                            $335,000

Thornapple River Pedestrian Bridge         Ada Township, Kent County                               $425,000

Depot Trail Head Park                               City of Big Rapids, Mecosta County                   $450,000

Stone Hatchery Park                                  Green Township, Mecosta County                     $54,000

West Colby Promenade                             City of Whitehall, Muskegon County                  $247,500

Vida Weaver Park Pavilion                         Village of Hesperia, Newaygo County                 $45,000

Shelby Community Park                            Shelby Township, Oceana County                      $112,500

Holland Community Ice Skating Park     City of Holland, Ottawa County                         $800,000

 

“Collaboration with our regional partners has led to another successful advancement for our communities,” said Marla Schneider, President of Greater Muskegon Economic Development. “As West Michigan continues to grow, the new developments in our communities are yet another testament to our unwavering commitment to the prosperity of our current and future citizens and businesses.”

 

Fennville Downtown Amphitheater – City of Fennville, Allegan County

 

“This funding speaks to the power of collaboration in strengthening places and spaces across the West Michigan region,” said Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage. “Vibrant city spaces are a crucial component to attracting and retaining the people who live and work here, and who keep our economy strong.”

 

“Placemaking and community development is economic development, said Tim Mroz, Senior Vice President of Community Development at The Right Place, Inc. “That’s why The Right Place is so committed to this work. The communities included in this RAP grant get it. They understand that tomorrow’s growing, vibrant communities are investing in placemaking today. Those actions will pay dividends for decades to come.”

 

Mahan Park Improvement Project, City of Allegan, Allegan County

 

A collaborative team from The Right Place, Lakeshore Advantage, and Greater Muskegon Economic Development led the application process for the West Michigan communities applying for funds. Applications were due in June. All recipients were notified earlier this week. The project team solicited potential projects from a 13-county area. The organizations received 41 regional placemaking applications from 11 counties, totaling over $91 million. An internal team then evaluated all applications, scoring each one according to the priorities set forth by the MEDC. In the end, 17 placemaking projects were selected from 9 different counties with new, innovative ideas to reactivate lost, underutilized, or vacant spaces.

 

The RAP program provides access to real estate and place-based infrastructure development gap financing through grants of up to $5 million per project for real estate rehabilitation and development, grants of up to $1 million per project for public space improvements, and grants of up to $20 million to local or regional partners who develop a coordinated subgrant program.

 

Eligible applicants were individuals or entities working to rehabilitate vacant, underutilized, blighted, and historic structures and the development of permanent place-based infrastructure associated with traditional downtowns, social zones, outdoor dining, and placed-based public spaces. The RAP program awarded funding to eligible applicants based on one or more competitive application rounds.

Three SURGE startups receive awards from state innovation program 

 

HOLLAND, Mich. – Three members of Lakeshore Advantage’s SURGE program were selected to receive Business Accelerator Fund (BAF) awards. These funds are aimed at helping small businesses in the advanced technology sector along their path to commercialization. Awards are competitive and typically given to companies with promising innovations involving intellectual property. 

 

“Lilypad Labs has worked closely with Lakeshore Advantage since our inception in January 2021” said Dana Lowell, CEO, Lilypad Labs. “They have been instrumental in helping us bring carbon-free boating to West Michigan.” 

 

BAF awards are used to engage third-party specialists such as marketing agencies, regulatory consultants, legal services, and other types of providers that offer services which are otherwise not available to them through their business accelerator.  

 

The Business Accelerator Fund is administered by the Michigan Small Business Development Center in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and is available to participating accelerators in Michigan’s statewide SmartZone network. Clients of SmartZone-participating accelerators, like SURGE, participate in the program by working with their accelerator to submit a proposal. SURGE Member startups selected for awards include: 

 

Lilypad Labs uses clean energy and autonomous mobility technologies to offer an approachable, alternative boating experience designed to bring people together on the water with little to no boating expertise.  

 

 

• Service Provider: Varnum 
• Project Description: Funds will be used to facilitate the preparation of a template Lease Agreement. This agreement is designed for use between Lilypad Labs and its initial “fleet managers,” governing the terms and conditions for the use and rental of Lilypad Labs’ solar boats. Lilypad Labs is dedicated to sustainable transportation solutions and this award will help streamline business operations and expand their environmentally friendly offerings. 

 

 

 

Rebel Cultures uses patent-pending technology that mimics a perfect plant tissue culture environment to untangle one of the most complex processes in plant production for a more affordable, equitable, sustainable, and enjoyable world with enough plants. 

 

 

• Service Provider: EVO Engineering 
• Project Description: Funds will be used to create an interactive display of Rebel Cultures’ “Plant Replica,” which will be showcased at the prestigious AmericanHort’s Cultivate 2023 event. This grant will allow Rebel Cultures to present their groundbreaking work to a broader audience, fostering connections and opportunities for growth. 

 

 

 

Revolin Sports brings high-performance, reliable, and eco-friendly pickleball equipment to players across the nation. 

 

 

• Service Provider: Plug Digital 
• Project Description: Funding will be utilized to revamp and update Revolin Sports’ website, which is a crucial component of their planned national marketing campaign. A previous BAF award received by Revolin Sports was instrumental in the initial development of their marketing strategy. With this new funding, they aim to elevate their online presence and expand their reach to a wider audience across the nation. 

 

“Lakeshore Advantage has been a great support to Revolin Sports for the past 3+ years” said Hugh Davis, Revolin Sports. “They have been instrumental in helping us to successfully enter the growing Pickleball market through their robust programming, connections, and resources. This includes our participation in their SURGE Boostcamp program, ongoing business coaching/mentorship, vendor support, access to top-notch facilities, fun and informative events, and access to capital through the Business Accelerator Fund.” 

 

SURGE startups additionally raise capital from sources including venture capital, business loans, microloans, and more. In 2023, more than 30 SURGE member startups have raised a combined $1.2 million to-date. 

Analysis of more than 120 Ottawa, Allegan County business leader interviews unveils assets and opportunities for lakeshore region economy

 

ZEELAND, Mich. (September 13, 2023)—Primary employers in Ottawa and Allegan Counties are nimble and overcoming talent shortages with automation, according to a Lakeshore Advantage report released today. West Michigan’s Lakeshore Region 2023 Industry Trends Report is the analysis of more than 120 local business executive interview responses. Executives across the two counties were interviewed from June 2022 through May 2023. A majority—more than sixty percent—reported feeling somewhat or very prepared to adopt ‘smart’ technologies.

 

“Manufacturing is the backbone of this economy” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Companies that are investing in technology are growing. We are focused on helping small to mid-sized manufacturers understand the tools and resources available to leverage so they can stay competitive and create safe, good-paying jobs.”

 

The report features primary research analysis and secondary data which shows key points about the economic health of the region. Of those interviewed:

 

• 52% said they plan to expand in the next three years;
• 98% reported an increasing or stable market share;
• 91% reported total company sales as increasing or stable;
• 86% shared that they plan to introduce new products, services, and/or capabilities in the next two years;
• 70% of companies reported tuition reimbursement offerings compared to a national average of 48%; and
• This year, more businesses reported operating at regular hours as opposed to operating with overtime or decreased hours.

 

The lakeshore region has a concentrated cluster of automation solutions providers and a talent pipeline that supports the growing automation job market. The number of automation engineers in the region has increased by forty percent over the last five years and the occupation is projected to grow an additional fifteen percent in the next five, according to data produced by Lightcast. These providers support West Michigan’s heavily manufacturing-based economy (23%, compared to 16% for the rest of the state, according to the Michigan Center for Data & Analytics), as well as manufacturers worldwide.

 

When asked about adopting smart technologies, cost and lack of staff expertise were identified as the top two barriers. An additional top barrier to growth reported by employers was supply chain disruptions. The report also summarizes actions taken by area nonprofits and local units of government in response to other issues posing challenges to the region’s economy, including:

 

• Housing Next’s efforts to raise and leverage millions of dollars across West Michigan for workforce housing;
• The Outdoor Discovery Center’s Ottawa County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to increase childcare capacity by 1,000 spots over the next three years;
• Allegan County’s commitment of ARPA funding toward expanded broadband, matched by provider, 123Net®, and supplemented by Michigan ROBIN grant funding.

 

“Our job is to ensure that current and future generations want to live and work in the lakeshore region” said Vice President of Business Solutions for Lakeshore Advantage, Amanda Murray. “Our focus is on primary employers. They make a choice to be in this community and we need to keep them healthy and growing.”

 

Along with the report, Lakeshore Advantage presented best-use stories of smart technology applications by small- and mid-sized manufacturers in the region during a presentation to local business and government leaders on Wednesday, September 13.

 

The full report can be viewed HERE.

HOLLAND, Mich. (September 1, 2023)—Lakeshore Advantage, the leading economic development organization for Ottawa and Allegan counties, gathered with dozens of representatives from Michigan’s public and private sectors to celebrate the groundbreaking of the organization’s Next Center. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of construction on the new downtown hub for innovation and business growth.

 

“The Next Center will add so much to this incredible community” said Neil Boehm, Chairman of the Board for Lakeshore Advantage. “This development will revitalize that corner of downtown Holland helping to attract people to the downtown area while also being a catalyst for continued economic growth.”

 

Left to right: Sen. Roger Victory, Michigan’s 31^st Senate District; Steve Bulthuis, Manager, Holland Charter Township; Mayor Nathan Bocks, City of Holland; Jennifer Owens, President, Lakeshore Advantage; Brian Burch, Board Chair, Local Development Finance Authority; Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, Michigan House District 88; Rep. Bill Huizenga, U.S. Congressman, Michigan’s 4^th District (Credit: Photo Images by Carl, Inc.)

 

Lakeshore Advantage has supported product and technology startups with entrepreneurial programming since 2015 when the Holland SmartZone was established. The program, now known as SURGE powered by Lakeshore Advantage, currently boasts 38 members and has supported hundreds of concepts since its inception. Providing support for startups is part of the economic development organization’s strategy for developing a diversified regional economy and empowering the region to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

 

“Entrepreneurship can’t be hidden; it can’t be tucked away”, said Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage. “We need to make a visible, accessible statement that the entrepreneurial ecosystem is alive, well, and growing—and come on in and be part of it!”

 

Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage (Credit: Photo Images by Carl, Inc.)

 

Lakeshore Advantage announced its plan to build the Next Center at the end of May. The announcement came following a business incubator grant awarded by the State of Michigan to help Lakeshore Advantage expand its entrepreneurial efforts.

 

“Risk-taking small businesses are the backbone of Michigan’s economy and we’re committed to doing all we can to provide the support, resources, and opportunities required for growth and success. Lakeshore Advantage’s Next Center is a shining example of how Team Michigan invests in the state’s small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO and Michigan Strategic Fund President and Chair Quentin Messer Jr. “We remain committed to working with our partners across West Michigan and statewide to deploy resources to spark additional innovation and economic opportunity here in Michigan. Work remains, but we are relentlessly focused on elevating our entrepreneurs and encouraging businesses of all sizes to make it in Michigan.”

 

The Next Center will consist of a three-story, 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility strategically located on the corner of College Ave. and 7^th Street in downtown Holland. The Center will provide a collaborative space for startups, established businesses, and research institutions to come together on the first floor in its business incubator and community education spaces. Its second and third floors will be home to the headquarters of Lakeshore Advantage and an established business tenant which complements the ecosystem, respectively.

 

“At MillerKnoll, we deeply understand and appreciate the value that collaborative, multidimensional environments have,” said Andi Owen, MillerKnoll’s Chief Executive Officer. “The Next Center is going to be a tremendous asset to the Holland community, providing a place to spark innovation, create partnerships and cultivate new economic development. I am delighted to see this project break ground.”

 

The center will be owned and operated by Lakeshore Advantage and is part of the Holland SmartZone, a satellite district of the Grand Rapids SmartZone which directs tax increment financing (TIF) dollars toward economic development in the technology sector. The SmartZone provides technology companies, entrepreneurs and researchers a place to collaborate and share resources.

 

“Successful communities and businesses must be creative and innovative to thrive long term,” said Richard G. Haworth, Chairman Emeritus of Haworth, Inc. “The addition of The Next Center expands and opens new ways for that to happen. The Next Center will help us continue to foster West Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

 

Since Lakeshore Advantage announced the project, more than a dozen community businesses have committed leadership gifts to make the vision for the Next Center a reality. Donors include:

 

• MillerKnoll
• The Brooks Family
• Gentex Corporation
• Haworth, Inc.
• Trans-Matic Mfg. Co., Inc.
• JR Automation Technologies
• Bayside Capital
• EV Construction
• fairlife
• Fifth Third Bank
• Koops Automation Systems
• PADNOS
• Shape Corp.
• Lakewood Construction
• Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce

 

EV Construction is the contracted construction partner for The Next Center.  Construction is expected to be complete in November 2024. To learn more about resources for entrepreneurs in West Michigan’s lakeshore region, visit https://lakeshoreadvantage.com/entrepreneurs/.