In 2022, Cornerstone Alliance initiated a new, bold plan to set Berrien County on a trajectory of new jobs, business and investment growth.  The Cornerstone Alliance Strategic Plan represents the economic, community and physical development priorities for Berrien County.

At Cornerstone Alliance, our diverse team of professionals is committed to using all of our resources to lift up the whole community by improving economic opportunities for everyone. Our mission is to support businesses of every industry sector and size, and entrepreneurs of every race, age, sexual orientation and gender. We do not tolerate racism, oppression, nor bigotry.

As Berrien County’s lead economic development agency, Cornerstone Alliance knows that the community can achieve inclusive growth by taking proactive measures that support more opportunities for minority entrepreneurship, minority hiring and improved minority education opportunities. We will hold each other accountable and share our progress in reaching long-term change for our minority and underserved populations.

Our goals include:
1. Recruit companies and developers to Berrien County that have a stated commitment to racial equality and inclusion. These companies will create jobs that propel the entire community by improving economic opportunity for everyone.
2. Recruit diverse staff and board members and promote their inclusion and advancement within the Cornerstone Alliance organization.
3. Increase minority entrepreneurship by leveraging the resources of the Women’s Business Center, Small Business Administration and Renaissance Development Fund. Provide at least five (5) microloans annually to minority, female and veteran entrepreneurs.
4. Begin First Choice tours in Benton Harbor, while highlighting the residential, recreational and commercial activities in the City.

These important actions will build a more equitable, inclusive community.