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Want to create a business
you're proud of? Let's get started.
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Step 1: From Idea to Reality
Start with a written business plan. It will be your own custom roadmap that shows you where you are in relation to where you want to be. Any bank, nonprofit, or public-sector financing and/or grants you hope to obtain will require a written business plan.
Develop a business plan
Connect with our local Michigan Small Business Development Center representative for free, hands-on business planning support.
Nicole Potvin Young | nmyoungp@mtu.edu | 906-450-5042
Tap into free educational resources
Additional free and low-cost resources such as help obtaining market research, business workshops, and webinars can be found at www.michigansbdc.org
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Step 2: Locating Your Business
All businesses, including those that are home-based and store fronts, should research the necessary zoning laws of the county and city where your business will be located. Never purchase or lease a building without first checking with the appropriate zoning department.
Check the zoning category of the property and get in touch with the appropriate zoning administrator.
Schoolcraft County Zoning Ordinance Administration
Natasha Rosebush | zoning@schoolcraftcounty.us | 906-341-3677
City of Manistique Zoning Ordinance Administration
Corey Barr | water@water-mstq.com | 906-450-3682
Step 3: Licenses & Permits
To run your business legally, there may be certain state, county, and/or city licenses and permits you will need before getting your business up and running. The Michigan Small Business Development Center is always available to help you walk through these steps.
Decide on your legal structure & obtain your employer ID
Determine if you are subject to any special licensing
Step 4: Financing & Incentives
Special incentives and programs may be available depending on your type of business, needs, and future plans. Support often starts with a call or meeting to discuss more details. Contact Victoria George to get the conversation started at 906-341-5010 or email vgeorge@discovermanistique.com.
Connect with a local financial institution
Not able to qualify for a traditional business loan? Learn more at Northern Initiatives, a Community Development Financial Institution that may be able to help.
Tax Abatements, Grants & More
For Tax Abatements contact our City Manager at
906-450-3682 | citymanager@cityofmanistique.net
To view Tax Abatement options visit:
To view additional programs and resources available visit:
Step 5: Workforce Development
Our local Michigan Works! office offers a wide range of free services to help businesses recruit, hire, train, and retain employees. They even have programs available that help fund the wages of eligible employees if you quality!
Connect with our Business Services Specialist
Jim Messer | jmesser@upmichiganworks.org | 906-399-6806
Access their online Resource Center
Upper Peninsula Michigan Works! has resources available for employees, job seekers, and they value employers' need to succeed and are there to help grow your skills.
Bonus Steps & Resources
Start maximizing your business exposure while building relationships. Here are additional ways to get more involved in the community and start off on the right foot.
Bonus: Marketing
Many times new businesses focus on the first 5 steps of this checklist and forget to develop a marketing plan. One of the main reasons to create a marketing strategy is to help you connect with the right people and customers.
Create a Marketing Strategy
Make an outline of how you plan to share your products and/or services to the community and future customers.
Create an Action Plan
Turn your goals, strategies, and other plans into an action plan that can help your business stay on track and measure progress.
Bonus: Networking
There are many ways to promote your new business. Our networking settings put you into contact with fellow entrepreneurs and business owners. This creates the perfect environment for business opportunities to be shared between community members.
Attend a Third Thursday Networking Event
Our casual, monthly networking events have connected business owners to employees, new residents to community organizations, and new ideas and partnerships have flourished all while having a good time at a local eatery.
Schedule a Ribbon Cutting or celebratory milestone
Once your doors are open for business let's celebrate! Schedule a free of charge ceremony to kick off your newest adventure to the community.
Become a member of Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce
We at STC are a non-profit that functions as the county's Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation, and manage the county Welcome Center.
We are committed to the success of Schoolcraft County and work collaboratively to create an environment that results in economic prosperity for all.
Meet The Team
Victoria George
We're ready to meet the needs of any business, big or small.
Jim Messer
Business Services Specialist, Upper Peninsula Michigan Works!
906-399-6806
