We help communities retain, grow, and attract employers who provide year-round family-sustaining jobs. Our local government services include economic development training and education, establishing local economic development incentives, and securing funding to support infrastructure and development.
We help communities write, package, and refine competitive grant and loan applications for state, federal, and private funding sources (e.g., MEDC, USDA, EDA, MSHDA, DNR, EGLE, MDARD, appropriations requests, etc.) to support a variety of community needs like infrastructure improvements and expansion, brownfield redevelopment, blight elimination, workforce housing, commercial and industrial development, and more. We also provide administration services for select grants.
We can help communities understand and establish incentives that facilitate development, redevelopment, and business attraction.
We work with communities to identify and navigate site readiness hurdles such as infrastructure needs, utility capacity, cost, and more to encourage and prepare for strategic development. NLEA manages MEDC’s Site Selector Database of available sites for our four-county service area, monitoring and responding to active site searches by businesses and developers.
We provide research, data analysis, and policy development support to communities looking to enhance economic development through updated and more streamlined strategies and processes to build and sustain a thriving economy. This support can be an important complement to a community’s master planning process, help your community become RRC-certified, and facilitate desired development outcomes.
We provide education and training opportunities that cover economic development topics including but not limited to Economic Development 101, economic data trends, funding, and development incentives.
To ensure communities understand the critical needs of their businesses and major employers, NLEA staff proactively conduct outreach to businesses to support their success and growth. This involves connecting businesses to needed resources to solve workforce challenges, funding for equipment purchases or expansion, and more. These efforts deliver significant returns to our communities through increased tax base, quality jobs, and exceptional quality of life.
NLEA provides support to the Village of Mackinaw City including administration of a Community Development Block Grant project and ongoing service to the local Economic Development Corporation. Village Manager Dean Martin had this to say, “The staff at NLEA always feel available, accessible, and passionate about helping us better serve our stakeholders. The NLEA’s support and guidance has been critical in shaping Mackinaw City to be a business-friendly municipality.”
NLEA coordinated partners and developed the grant proposal to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission and Michigan Department of Transportation in 2024, helping the Cheboygan County Airport Authority to secure a $79,000 grant to upgrade airport operations.
“NLEA has been a great community and economic development partner with the main street DDA program. Assistance with new business recruitment and events is something we value greatly.” – Polly Schneider, Director, Cheboygan Main Street DDA
“The Antrim County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is grateful for the ongoing support of the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA). Their expertise and collaboration were instrumental in the development of our strategic plan. The NLEA’s strong regional network also facilitated valuable community connections, further empowering the EDC to deliver impactful business support initiatives within Antrim County.” – Rachel Krino, President, Antrim County EDC
“From grant writing, informational seminars, answering questions, guidance, and encouragement, the NLEA has assisted the village immensely over the years. Thank you again for all you have done and look forward to our future together.” – Mike Allison, President, Village of Mancelona
Contact our Sr. Program Manager, Community Investment, Jessica Lovay to learn about how NLEA can help your community and local government thrive in the Northern Michigan area!
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