While Small Business Month took place in May, every month is an opportunity to spotlight the local entrepreneurs who are strengthening communities and fueling economic momentum across West Michigan. Through the “Make It in Michigan” strategy, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping small businesses access funding, modernize operations, and bring new energy to downtowns and rural main streets so every business can truly “make it” in Michigan.
Included below are a few success stories from your region. I’d love to connect you with MEDC leaders to talk about how targeted investments and support are empowering West Michigan businesses to grow and thrive. Let me know if you’d like to connect for an interview or need more information on any of these success stories.
• Peterson Farms in Shelby: As one of Michigan’s largest fruit processors, Peterson Farms plays a vital role in the state’s agricultural economy. In February of this year, the company received MEDC support to expand its operations and create up to 96 new jobs. In 2022, the company was awarded $3.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funding and $800,000 in MEDC Corporate Funds to provide water infrastructure for low-to-moderate-income workforce housing for their associates and families.
• Buell Motorcycle Co. in Cascade Township: Once a shuttered brand, Buell has roared back to life as the only U.S.-designed, engineered and manufactured superbike company. Just last month, the company received a $972,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, which will help create 162 new jobs. Buell did consider locations in other parts of the country, but due to support from the MEDC, Buell chose to expand and invest in Michigan.
• Schindy’s at Diamond Lake in White Cloud: Schindy’s is a cornerstone of its rural community with a restaurant, market and gathering place all in one. The owners worked with the Michigan Small Business Development Center, an MEDC-supported partner, to build a strong business plan, navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and grow sustainably. Their success earned them a 2025 MI-SBDC Best Small Business award, a distinction given to only a select group of companies each year.
Beyond business-specific support, MEDC is investing directly in West Michigan communities to create vibrant places where entrepreneurs can succeed. In May, more than $3 million in RAP 2.0 grants were awarded to local governments and economic development organizations, including:
• City of Hart: $1,000,000 for revitalization projects in the downtown corridor, including small business facade improvements and community space activation
• Grand Rapids Economic Development: $775,000 to support mixed-use developments and public realm enhancements
• The Right Place, Inc: $1,399,039 to fund projects in various West Michigan communities, boosting storefront rehabilitation and catalytic redevelopment.
For more information, please visit www.michiganbusiness.org.
