ECoNomic Development
Business Resources
- Michigan Economic Development Corporation: 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 many programs and local and regional partners have resources to help you. MEDC has funding resources for small to medium-size businesses.
- MEDC Initiate Business Retention Training Series: The Initiate resource portal covers topics such as money, marketing, and management resources by using a variety of learning methods including videos, templates, and guides. To best position our business community to access these tools, the MEDC is partnering with community and economic development organizations, financial institutions, and other small business support organizations to work one on one with businesses at the local level.
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Created in 1953, continues to help small business owners and entrepreneurs pursue the American dream. SBA is the only cabinet-level federal agency fully dedicated to small business and provides counseling, capital, and contracting expertise as the nation’s only go-to resource and voice for small businesses.
The River Country Chamber of Commerce : Made up of the former Croton-Hardy Business Alliance, Grant Area, Newaygo Area, and White Cloud Area Chambers of Commerce. There are over 275 businesses and organizations that are members of River Country chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce helps connect businesses and promote forward-thinking business practices. The Chamber of Commerce also helps promote workforce opportunities that local businesses may need filled.
Newaygo County Economic Development Partnership: Economic development services for Newaygo County are provided through a partnership with The Right Place. The Right Place’s regional strategic focus areas are advanced manufacturing, agribusiness & food processing, information technology and health sciences.
Facade Improvement Program
The City of White Cloud is pleased to announce the start of a Façade Improvement Program. Funded by the Fremont Area Community Foundation, this program will offer commercial property owners and business owners a 50% match of project costs, up to $5,000, for specific façade improvement projects. The program guidelines and application provide additional information regarding who is eligible, what projects are allowed, and how to apply. Before applying for project funding, please read the program guidelines entirely and carefully.
Eligible properties must be located within the Central Business District (C-1) or the Commercial Business District (C-3). If unsure about your property’s zoning identification, please see zoning map below.
Properties must be primarily used as a commercial space; residential properties will not be considered.
Eligible Projects include, but are not limited to:
- Exterior brick or wall surface cleaning using gentlest means possible (no sandblasting).
- Re-pointing of brick mortar joints.
- Patching and painting of façade walls.
- Permanent landscaping
- Storefront Window and/or door repair or appropriate replacement.
- Cornice repair or appropriate replacement.
- Other exterior improvements of a historical or structural nature.
Any project type not listed must be approved by the Planning Commission.
Application Period: January 22st, 2024 – March 31st, 2024
Review and Awarding: April 1st – April 29th, 2024
Project work: May 1st, 2024 – November 30th, 2024
Last day for reimbursement: January 30th, 2025
- Complete a grant application and return to the city hall by March 28th. All applications must include design plans, estimated total costs, and any quotas or bids. Photos of the building and a detailed description of the work to be done must also be submitted with the application and other necessary documents. It is vital that all applicants write the date they submit their application on the application form.
- Applications will be reviewed by the Planning Commission. The final decision for what project(s) will be funded is decided at the April 23rd, 2024 Planning Commission meeting. If winning applicants are not present, they will be notified by phone and mail.
- All grantees must track project progress and keep invoices and other documents necessary for tracking expenses.
- Following the completion of the project, grantees must submit “Before” and “After” photos. Furthermore, there will be a final inspection to verify the work is complete and is in line with the work described in the application.
- When work is completed, the applicant must submit copies of invoices, receipts, and an itemized statement of the total cost of the project signed by the applicant. All documentation for payment must be provided at one time to City Hall. Following the return of all valid documentation, the city will reimburse the agreed upon project costs.
- Grants will match up to 50% of project costs, up to $5,000, as long as the funding is available.
- Once a project is approved for funding, work must be completed and inspected by the end of the year of the contract date, or the award will be considered null and void.
- Following completion, a final inspection is required to verify that the work done is the same as what was approved on the application.
- Any improvements that have been made through the Façade Grant Program must be maintained by the applicant and may not be removed or significantly altered for a period of five (5) years.
- Projects already started before the application process is complete will be ineligible for funding.
- Approved Grantees must keep all invoices and receipts to receive funding. Any expense that is not stated on an invoice or receipt will not be reimbursed.
- Invoices and receipts must be turned in within 30 days after the work is completed.
Priority Sites
Additional information
Contact Information
For more information or any questions regarding economic development in the City of White Cloud, please call (231)-689-1194 or email citymanager@cityofwhitecloud.org