Placemaking & community develOPMENT
The City of Watervliet, in collaboration with the Watervliet Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Cornerstone Alliance, celebrated the grand opening of their most recent project, a public gathering space fondly referred to as ‘Main Street Oasis’.
As an economic development organization, Cornerstone Alliance prides itself on creating and maintaining healthy relationships with industries within the county. Our Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program is designed to provide customized services for the unique industry landscape of the area.
Our BRE team will meet with your company to understand the successes of your business and strategize how best to continue your growth. Additionally, we want to learn of the challenges your operation faces, allowing our team to meticulously connect you to the appropriate service(s) and resource(s) you’ll need to rectify your company’s pain points.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
MEDC delivers tailored assistance to invest and expand your operations and workforce in Michigan communities. Through collaboration with more than 100 partners, we have tools and resources to support businesses at any stage of growth. No matter your business size, industry, or your community needs, the MEDC’s programs and local and regional partners have resources to help.
Workforce Development
Workforce Development’s vision is to promote a flexible, innovative, and effective workforce system within the State of Michigan. To accomplish this, Workforce Development supports a demand driven workforce system, assists the structurally unemployed with financial independence, advocates for the integration of workforce development into the K-12 school system, and supports the alignment of workforce development with economic development efforts.
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)
At the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), we encourage and embrace innovation, creativity, and growth, so we can provide the best possible service to the robust food and agriculture industry and the residents of Michigan. As a department, we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that builds upon our values and invests in our employees and provides an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment.
Eligibility Guidelines
Your business may be eligible for an IFT or Commercial Rehab.
BRE Tools & Resources
Environmental Analysis
There are many reasons to run a business, raise a family and retire in Berrien County. But the backbone of why this is a great place to live and work is because we are in Michigan. Our state’s business climate is stronger than ever and is ranked nationally as a Top-10 Pro-Business State.
Municipal
Cornerstone Alliance, with support from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is introducing a comprehensive four-part educational series. Tailored to empower municipal staff, elected officials, and board members, this initiative aims to equip these key constituents with the essential tools to foster growth within our communities.
OPRA Fact Sheet
The Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA), Public Act 146 of 2000, provides for a tax incentive to encourage the redevelopment of obsolete buildings.
Click to view the full fact sheet.