Author: KMF Infotech

The Right Place, Lakeshore Advantage and Greater Muskegon Economic Development looking to help secure funding for projects within 13 county region

 

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (November 15, 2024)—Regional economic development organizations The Right Place, Inc., Lakeshore Advantage and Greater Muskegon Economic Development are seeking public-placemaking projects to include in a regional grant application for the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program.

 

Launched in 2022 by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the RAP program has $75 million in funds available to support gap financing for place-based infrastructure development, real estate rehabilitation and development, and public space improvements throughout the state. The West Michigan partner agencies are seeking applications from all 13 counties in Michigan’s Prosperity Region 4 area (Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa).

 

“Partnerships are the cornerstone of economic development in West Michigan. Together, we are building a foundation of support that allows our communities to thrive, innovate, and expand,” says Jennifer Owners, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “Our collaborative efforts on this program will set the stage for a stronger, more vibrant economy.”

 

The group’s regional application will focus on public space and place-based infrastructure. Grants of up to $500,000 for projects are possible under this program and require a minimum 50% match from each sub-applicant.

 

“By working together as partners, we amplify our impact in West Michigan,” expressed Marla Schneider, president and CEO of Greater Muskegon Economic Development. “This collaboration creates a powerful regional force, ensuring West Michigan is a magnet for talent and a hub for opportunity through placemaking.”

 

Examples of projects that can be submitted for consideration include, but are not limited to downtown pocket parks, waterfront activation sites, innovative spaces for pop-up markets, and public art installations.

 

“Being awarded two successful rounds of funding, we’ve been able to provide support for over 20 public placemaking projects throughout West Michigan,” said Tim Mroz, senior vice president of community development at The Right Place, Inc. “Projects like these contribute significantly to our region’s quality of life, and we’re excited to lead another regional application for RAP.”

 

An online project submission form is live until December 6, 2024, at 5 pm. More information is available here. This intake form will enable an initial evaluation of projects against the scoring criteria specified by the MEDC.

 

View the MEDC’s project eligibility requirements and considerations here.

HOLLAND, Mich. (November 14, 2024)—Lakeshore Advantage is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Next Center, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to fostering innovation, economic growth, and community collaboration in the heart of Holland, Michigan. A celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony took place Wednesday, November 13 with the organization’s investors and project partners in attendance.

 

The three-story, 20,000-square-foot Next Center is set to become a cornerstone for West Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The center houses Lakeshore Advantage as its primary tenant, and in December will welcome a dynamic group of startup members and tenants that complement the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

 

 

“In this space, new businesses will be nurtured, and fresh ideas will take root,” said Lakeshore Advantage Board Vice Chair, Kyle Verplank. “On behalf of Lakeshore Advantage, we look forward to seeing the current and next generation of businesses grow and thrive right here in West Michigan’s Lakeshore Region.”

 

The Next Center will host programming to support a continued record of entrepreneurship in West Michigan’s Lakeshore Region on its multifunctional first floor. The space is purpose-built for up to 50 startup tenants and community education. The second floor is now home to Lakeshore Advantage, with additional office spaces leased by businesses supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. The third floor, designed for flexibility, has office suites currently available for lease, offering established companies the chance to become a part of this vibrant ecosystem.

 

“This is an exciting day for Holland and the greater West Michigan region,” expressed Pete Beukema, Chairperson of the Holland SmartZone. “The Next Center embodies the spirit of innovation and community support that define our area. It’s not just a building; it’s a launching point for businesses and technologies that will shape our future.”

 

The Next Center’s multifunctional design is made possible by innovative, world-class office solutions from West Michigan-born, globally renowned companies, MillerKnoll andHaworth, and features Holland, Michigan-made sit-stand desks by ROL. All three organizations supported the Next Center’s interior design strategy and plan.

 

 

 

“MillerKnoll is proud to support the next generation of entrepreneurs in this region with our forward-thinking office furniture products,” said Lakeshore Advantage Board Chair and MillerKnoll CFO, Jeff Stutz. “West Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit is on display at the Next Center.”

 

The Next Center’s location within the SmartZone brings it closer to resources and networks essential for entrepreneurial success. Lakeshore Advantage will continue to serve as a pivotal force in the economic landscape of Allegan and Ottawa counties.

 

“We are so glad this piece of land, which was underutilized for many years, is now being activated for the West Michigan economy,” said John Parker, Vice President of Project Development for EV Construction. “The EV Construction team has a passion for innovation and growth, so we used that energy to deliver a special project for Lakeshore Advantage. We want to thank the community, our trades, and all the project’s supporters for their participation in the project. This facility will help us all as Lakeshore Advantage continues to advocate for economic growth in the region.”

 

For information on leasing third-floor office spaces or inquiries about the Next Center, please contact Lakeshore Advantage.

 

About Lakeshore Advantage

 

Lakeshore Advantage is the economic GPS for West Michigan’s Ottawa and Allegan Counties. The nonprofit economic development organization grows primary employers at all stages of development, plans to ensure long-term economic health, solves economic challenges, and identifies opportunities.

 

Lakeshore Advantage was established in 2003 by forward-focused business and community leaders to assist primary employers—from startups to established global corporations—as they navigate growth in the lakeshore region.In 2023, Lakeshore Advantage supported 26 business growth projects consisting of $3.2 billion in private investment and $634.3 million in support funds leveraged in the two counties. Business growth projects resulted in 1,091 new and retained jobs.

 

In addition, Lakeshore Advantage provided economic support to 285 primary employers and 73 startup companies in the two counties.

OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. (August 26, 2024)—Lakeshore Advantage and The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg (the Chamber) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to enhance economic development efforts in Northwest Ottawa County. The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize their collaboration in supporting business growth and retention in our local communities and across the region.

 

This partnership brings together Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization contracted by Ottawa County, and The Chamber, which provides economic development services to five municipalities in Northwest Ottawa County, including the City of Grand Haven, Grand Haven Charter Township, the Village of Spring Lake, Spring Lake Township, and the City of Ferrysburg.

 

“By joining forces, we’re creating a more robust and cohesive approach to economic development in our region,” said Jennifer Owens, president of Lakeshore Advantage. “This collaboration reflects the interconnected nature of our regional economy and workforce, and will provide businesses with streamlined access to resources and investment opportunities throughout Northwest Ottawa County.”

 

A Framework for Economic Success

Key aspects of the partnership include:

• Regular collaboration between teams to share project updates and discuss strategic regional initiatives;
• Coordinated business retention efforts; and
• Proactive sharing of economic development resources, events, and opportunities.

 

Mark Allen, president of The Chamber, added, “This partnership embodies the spirit of regional cooperation that is essential for sustainable economic growth. By leveraging our combined expertise and resources, we’re better positioned to retain businesses, attract new investment, and create employment opportunities for our communities.”

 

Both organizations are committed to working together to fulfill their obligations to the county and the individual communities in Northwest Ottawa County by utilizing each of their strengths while actively supporting one another.

 

About Lakeshore Advantage

Lakeshore Advantage is the economic GPS for West Michigan’s Ottawa and Allegan Counties. The nonprofit economic development organization grows primary employers at all stages of development, plans to ensure long-term economic health, and solves economic challenges and identifies opportunities. Lakeshore Advantage was established in 2003 by forward-focused business and community leaders to assist primary employers—from startups to established global corporations—as they navigate growth in the lakeshore region.

 

In 2023, Lakeshore Advantage supported 26 business growth projects consisting of $3.2 billion in private investment and $634.3 million in support funds leveraged in the two counties. Business growth projects resulted in 1,091 new and retained jobs. In addition, Lakeshore Advantage provided economic support to 285 primary employers and 73 startup companies in the two counties. Find out more at www.lakeshoreadvantage.com.

 

About The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg:

The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg has been serving businesses for 125 years since 1899. Through their vision of empowering businesses and building communities, The Chamber provides hyper local support, connections, access to resources and solutions for economic and business growth within Northwest Ottawa County. Find out more at www.grandhavenchamber.org.