Displaying items tagged: Battle Creek Unlimited

Ford Motor Co.’s plans to invest $3.5 billion to build an electric vehicle battery plant near Marshall came as good news to economic developers across West Michigan. 

When a Southwest Michigan development group received more inquiries in 2021 for industrial spaces 1 million square feet or larger than it had in the last 10 years combined, leaders knew they faced a challenge, as well as had a business opportunity on their hands. 

BATTLE CREEK — The federal Economic Development Administration has awarded economic development organization Battle Creek Unlimited more than $522,000 in grants to bolster a pair of food startup programs.

State officials have approved a $7.5 million loan for the redevelopment of the former McCamly Plaza hotel in downtown Battle Creek that’s being led by an affiliate of the city’s economic development arm.

Michigan economic development officials have approved performance-based grants for two companies planning $34 million in combined investments to create 77 jobs in Battle Creek and Benton Harbor Township.

Peter Beukema saw an opportunity during the pandemic to start a new role in the hospitality industry, stepping down as CEO of Suburban Inns late last year. He is still one of the owners of the family-owned business, but he has formed his own third-party hotel management company called 6PM Hospitality Partners LLC. 

The nonprofit economic development arm for the city of Battle Creek has taken on a new role as private developer to turn around a failed attempt at reviving a prominent downtown property.

Michigan could restore a tax credit for companies that conduct research and development here, which supporters say would make the state more competitive for high-tech business investments.

KALAMAZOO — When it first opened in 2008, the Can-Do Kitchen in Kalamazoo provided an avenue for budding food entrepreneurs to take their businesses outside of their homes and into a professional kitchen.

Low industrial real estate vacancy rates and ongoing construction backlogs are pushing industrial projects to more rural and outlying areas.

BATTLE CREEK — As the state transitions from mass COVID-19 vaccination sites to smaller, more targeted clinics to immunize the general public, onsite employer-hosted vaccination clinics are taking on a new importance.

BATTLE CREEK — Automotive supplier Magna Cosma Casting is planning to invest $31.9 million into an expansion of its facility in the Fort Cost Industrial Park.

Several Michigan communities are at risk of losing crucial federal funding under proposed changes to their designation as metropolitan areas, which local officials say would negatively affect services and economic development efforts.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought ups and downs for West Michigan’s construction industry — activity and competition has increased in areas like school bond projects, while the hospitality and office sectors saw major slowdowns.

BATTLE CREEK — When Ken Sunden gets the itch to solve a problem, it’s nearly impossible for him to avoid scratching it. 

BATTLE CREEK — Battle Creek Unlimited is planning a complete renovation and rebranding of the 15-story, 239-room McCamly Plaza Hotel in downtown Battle Creek. The economic development organization, doing business as 50 Capital Ave Development Corp., acquired the property at 50 Capital Ave. SW on Nov. 3, officials announced today.

BATTLE CREEK — Economic development organization Battle Creek Unlimited and St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Battle Creek have come together for a project that embraces the identity of the Cereal City.

Battle Creek Unlimited has received $2.1 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to develop a food processing incubator known as the Southwest Michigan Accelerator Kitchen.

BATTLE CREEK — Auto parts manufacturer Marley Precision, Inc. submitted a letter to the city and state this week announcing plans to permanently close both of its facilities this fall.

Two Michigan congressmen behind legislation that would create a $50.5 billion relief fund for small businesses nationwide hope to get it included in the next federal aid package that may come before Congress this summer.

After a brief hiatus from the market, one of the pioneering brands in the Michigan craft beer industry will once again be back on store shelves. 

Here is the MiBiz growth report for May 10, 2020.

BATTLE CREEK — A grant fund started in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic has expanded to $600,000 and will cover more businesses in the Battle Creek area.

BATTLE CREEK — Economic development organization Battle Creek Unlimited aims to help small businesses and nonprofits get through disruptions caused by the coronavirus with the creation of a new microgrant fund. 

BATTLE CREEK — The city of Battle Creek’s economic development agency has doubled its emergency loan fund to $1 million as more small businesses are impacted by the coronavirus. 

BATTLE CREEK — After scrapping plans in Muskegon County, the creators of a large agricultural and industrial complex for growing cannabis have decided to locate in the Cereal City.

BATTLE CREEK — Battle Creek Unlimited Inc., the economic development arm for the city of Battle Creek, has established a $500,000 emergency small business loan fund in the wake of COVID-19.

BATTLE CREEK — New Holland Brewing Co. LLC will begin construction next month on its third brewery and taproom in West Michigan after securing a final funding source from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. 

BATTLE CREEK — A grant for real estate projects is bringing needed development and activity to downtown Battle Creek.

BATTLE CREEK — Battle Creek-based Jay Andrew Development Co. has been awarded a $250,000 grant to support its plans to rehabilitate a downtown Battle Creek building.