Services Provided

By definition, economic development is typically measured in terms of jobs and income. However, economic development is multi-dimensional, and its success is determined by the combination of community and business development activities that affect and improve the community as a whole. To that end, the NLEA nurtures partnerships and collaborations with a variety of organizations and provides assistance with the following:

Services for Communities

The NLEA helps municipalities prepare for quality development and redevelopment.  Services include assistance with:

Infrastructure development
Business attraction
Grant writing/administration
Brownfield redevelopment
Downtown development/revitalization
Business Park development
Community profiles
Historic preservation

Services for Companies

The NLEA provides Business Development Services for Business Start-up, Expansion, Retention & Attraction

Business retention visits
Business plan development
Marketing assistance
Brownfield redevelopment
Tax abatements
Financial analysis/projections
Site location and development
Government regulations
Access to capital assistance
Export assistance
One-on-one business counseling

Services for Stage Two Entrepreneurs

The NLEA has specialized assistance for entrepreneurs wanting to take their business or project to the next level.  Each case is different and a program is designed based on the entrepreneurs' specific needs and the availability of resources and support.  Services include, but are not limited to:

Business Incubator program
Access to capital assistance
Service provider support teams
Special workshops & seminars
One-on-one business counseling

Services for Small Business

The NLEA in partnership with the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center provides a wide array of counseling services and business planning assistance to people interested in starting a successful new venture or to entrepreneurs already in business.

Start-up business basics
Business plan development
Financing options
Human resources preparation
Connections to local and state regulatory agencies
Market research
Legal considerations
Operational management issues
Marketing strategy & plan development