Economic Development

Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificates are granted to industry by the City with final approval received from the State. IFECs are a 50% reduction of property taxes that is provided for a period of up to twelve years for real and/or personal property not currently on Michigan tax rolls. All taxes and financial obligations to the local municipality must be current. An industrial development district must be established prior to the start of the project. Application must be made within six months from the date of the building permit or the first piece of equipment arrives on the premises, whichever is first.

Revolving Loan Fund 

The City of Niles administers a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program that is available for loan and grant projects considered eligible by the state of Michigan .  The RLF is an economic development tool that is based on partnerships between private businesses and the City of Niles .  It works by providing loans to businesses that cannot locate or expand in Niles with traditional financing sources alone.   The aim of the Revolving Loan Fund is to generate economic activity that will lead to the creation of jobs for low and moderate income individuals.

Loans may be used for land and building acquisition, construction, machinery and equipment acquisition, or for working capital.  Businesses that benefit from the program are required to create one job for every $15,000 that is borrowed.  A majority of the jobs that are created must be provided to low and moderate income individuals.

For more information about the Revolving Loan Fund please contact Juan Ganum.

STATE RESOURCES

Small Business & Technology Development Center

The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development CenterSM (MI-SBTDCSM) network provides a full range of services for a variety of small businesses that are emerging and growing throughout Michigan - including new venture companies, existing small businesses, expanding businesses, new technology companies, and innovators.

The MI-SBTDC network is a grassroots advocate for small businesses working in partnership with local resources to grow and strengthen companies. New ventures, in particular, may be unfamiliar with funding sources and support services. The MI-SBTDC works hard throughout the state to uncover opportunities and build relationships with organizations that makes a real difference to entrepreneurs.

The State Headquarters, located at Grand Valley State University , supports 12 regional offices and over 30 satellite offices, each providing counseling and training to small business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the 83 counties in Michigan through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The two satellite offices which serve the Niles area are listed below. For more information online please click here.

Biz Resource Center at Lake Michigan College
400 Klock Road
Benton Harbor , MI 49022
Phone: 269-926-4047
Hours Of Operation:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm   Monday
1:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday
1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Friday

Resource Center at Southwestern Michigan College
2229 US 12 East
Niles , MI 49120
Phone: 269-687-5640
Fax: 269-687-5655
Hours of Operation:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Mon - Friday

Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG)

The new Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) opened for business officially Dec. 8th, 2003 . Governor Jennifer Granholm created DLEG to promote job creation and economic growth in Michigan by centralizing and streamlining the state's job, workforce, and economic development functions under one department. The new department, led by DLEG Director David C. Hollister, will be a one-stop shop for business creation and development.  For more information please click here.

Department of Treasury – Business Taxes

Learn about Michigan taxes such as the Sales and Use Tax, Single Business Tax and Withholding Tax.

Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF)

Enacted in 1987, the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF) was created to assist in the funding of highway, road, and street projects necessary to support economic growth. The program mission continues to be to enhance the ability of the state to compete in an international economy, to serve as a catalyst for economic growth of the state, and to improve the quality of life in the state. Those eligible to apply for funds are the Michigan Department of Transportation, all county road commissions, and all city and village street agencies.  One of the grant categories allows cities to target industrial development and redevelopment by making road improvements.  For more information please click here.

Michigan Economic Growth Authority (MEGA)

The Michigan Economic Growth Authority can provide to industry exemptions from the Single Business Tax credit for a number of years as determined by the State and based upon the personal income tax withholding for net new jobs created. Out of state industry must create 150 new jobs over existing payroll. Michigan firms qualify if 75 new jobs are created.

Pollution Control Abatement

Pollution Control Abatements are granted by the State. They reduce property tax liability on equipment used to control water or air pollution by 100% for the life of the equipment. The equipment must be designed and operated primarily to remove, capture or control pollutants. Equipment must be suitable and reasonably adequate. 

FEDERAL RESOURCES

Economic Development Administration (EDA)

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was established to work with states and localities to generate new jobs, retain existing jobs, and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas and regions of the United States . The purpose of its program investments is to provide economically distressed communities with a source of funding for planning, infrastructure development, and business financing that will induce private investment in the types of business activities that contribute to long-term economic stability and growth. EDA’s seven investment programs are strategically targeted to increase local competitiveness and strengthen the local and regional economic base.

Contact Information

For more information about these programs and the City of Niles contact: