RESOURCES

The Charlevoix Downtown Development (DDA) is pleased to recommend several organizations that provide counseling and other support for new and existing businesses.

The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) is a public/private non-profit organization serving four northern Michigan counties including Charlevoix. Established in 1984, the NLEA serves as a resource to local communities and businesses to retain and create jobs. Visit the NLEA at www.northernlakes.net.

Northern Initiatives believes that healthy community development is a product of stable and growing businesses that provides the means for local residents to be active contributors to civic, cultural, and community life. In rural communities, a thriving economy underpinned by sustainable development is made vital through the development and support of its entrepreneurs. Visit Northern Initiatives at www.northerninitiatives.com.

GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Periodically, business grant opportunities are offered by such entities as the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) or the Michigan Economic Development Authority (MEDC). These grant monies are almost exclusively tied to job creation. If you are considering opening, expanding or improving your business in Downtown Charlevoix, please contact Keith Carey by calling 231.547.3257 or emailing kcarey@cityofcharlevoix.org to discuss possible funding assistance available.

CURRENT GRANT OFFERINGS

2008 MSHDA Fast Track Downtown Facade Program

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority's (MSHDA) Community Action Team (CATeam) recently announced an upcoming round of facade improvement monies to be made available to Michigan cities, towns and villages. The Fast Track Downtown Facade Program requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• At least two (2) buildings in a downtown must participate.
• Funding requests must be between $25,000 and $200,000 and a local match of 50 percent of the total project cost is required.
• Funding eligibility is tied directly to job creation. For each full-time job created in the applicant businesses, $30,000 is available in facade improvement monies.

If you wish to learn more about this downtown revitalization tool, click on 2008 MSHDA Fast Track Downtown Facade Program or contact the Charlevoix Downtown Development Authority by calling 231 547-3257.