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Resources for Starting a Small Business

Conveniently located minutes from Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Plainwell offers unique local shops and events, restaurants and hotels, and two nationally-recognized historic districts that can be enjoyed by walking our river walk along the Kalamazoo River and Mill Race. Many find Plainwell to not only be an ideal place to live and raise a family, but to relocate, expand, or start their businesses.

The City of Plainwell’s Economic Development Department works with a variety of partners and economic development practitioners at the local, State, and Federal level. Use the resources provided to grow, relocate, or start your business here in the City of Plainwell

Start a Business: The decision to start a business is a significant one that is quickly followed by equally significant questions: What type of business? What business structure is advantageous to my venture? What makes an effective business plan? Where will the financing come from?  What licenses, permits and registrations are required by the City of Plainwell government?

The resources below can help you take the next step toward business ownership. It walks you through the process – from deciding your company’s legal structure, to developing a business and marketing plan, to registering your business in Kalamazoo.

Useful Resources

Allegan County Clerk’s Office 269-673-0205
Provide business license services throughout the County of Allegan

Lakeshore Advantage 616-772-5226
Offers traditional economic development services, including site location and business expansion assistance

Michigan Economic Development Corporation  888-522-0103
In collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies, and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.

Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center 888-414-6682
Provide business services to small to mid-size manufactures, including performance benchmarking, lean enterprise, market diversification and other assessment services

MSU Cooperative Extension Allegan County  269-673-0370
Provide business educational services, especially related to agriculture in Allegan County

Michigan Works Association  800-285-WORKS (9675)
provides services and support to Michigan’s workforce development system. Through the Association, members can access timely, relevant professional development opportunities and ensure high-quality programs for all customers.

Small Business Development Center, West Michigan Region  833-522-0025
Provide business development services throughout the County of Allegan. Ed Garner, Regional Director, garnered@gvsu.edu