Economic Development | City of Grand Rapids, MI

City of Grand Rapids

Economic Development Department

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Equitable Economic Development and Mobility Strategic Plan

The Equitable Economic Development & Mobility Strategic Plan (the Plan) serves as a guide for the departments of Economic Development and Mobile GR. It provides recommendations on policies, programs and investments. The strategies in the Plan focus on outcomes and operations through 2025.

Read our strategic plan

Why GR?

Grand Rapids is located between Chicago and Detroit in Western Michigan and is the state’s second-largest city with a population of 200,000. It is the urban center of a growing region of more than 1 million people.

Why GR

We’re a catalyst for economic development in Grand Rapids

Whether it is providing resources and financing options and incentives or connecting you with the critical data you need, we’ll work alongside you to help get you what you need.

Business Retention and Expansion

Are you an existing business located in the City of Grand Rapids? If so, please contact us to schedule a time to meet with you and learn more about your business needs. This is the best way for you to learn about all business resources and incentives available for your business.

Are you planning to expand your business? Contact us for assistance with your zoning, permitting, and all other related approvals. This also provides an opportunity for you to explore any potential incentives available for your business.

Real Estate Redevelopment Assistance

We know real estate development can be tricky — especially if real estate development isn’t your primary business focus. So let us navigate you through the process. This will increase your chances to save time, risk, and money!

We have several incentive programs that can support your real estate project. Our programs provide property tax benefits for investment in vacant, underutilized, contaminated or obsolete property. We also really like the job retention and creation outcomes that are part of your project. After reviewing our incentive programs please give us a call to discuss all your options and clarify any questions.

Site Selector Assistance

We know that the right location is critical to business success. Ask us about Grand Rapids and West Michigan and we could go on all day, but you want answers now. Consider this your executive summary. We've included a collection of highlights and demographics to give you a better idea about Grand Rapids and the West Michigan Region.

Regional Highlights

More than 130 international companies
The world headquarters for such companies as Amway, BISSELL, Steelcase, Herman Miller, and Acrisure
8th largest biopharmaceuticals cluster in the U.S.
7th among U.S. states for investment in R&D

Our Team

Our team is responsible for all business retention, expansion, and attraction projects for the City of Grand Rapids. We are your business advocate to ensure you can access all programs and resources available for your business.