• industry trends report 2023

LAKESHORE ADVANTAGE

West Michigan’s 

Business Growth Engine

We’re Lakeshore Advantage—your economic development partner for Allegan and Ottawa Counties, two of Michigan’s fastest-growing counties. As a nonprofit founded by business leaders, our team connects companies to the resources, talent, and insights needed to grow in West Michigan. If your business manufactures, exports, or drives innovation—we’re here to help.  

 

 

Anchored between Chicago and Detroit, we help growing companies in advanced energy storage, food processing, smart manufacturing, and technology succeed here—while supporting the continued strength of legacy industries like automotive and office furniture that have long powered the Lakeshore region’s economy.

 

From manufacturers scaling production to entrepreneurs bringing new products and technologies to market, Lakeshore Advantage is your go-to partner for business growth in the Lakeshore region.

 

Watch how our work powers the businesses shaping West Michigan’s future.

Real Businesses. Real Impact.

Hear directly from the companies we’ve helped stay and grow in West Michigan.

We are the Lakeshore Region’s economic GPS. We grow, plan, and solve for a bright economic future.

Discover why West Michigan’s lakeshore is a beautiful place to grow a business.

 

TOP LAKESHORE INDUSTRIES:

Advanced Energy Storage (AES)

Aerospace

Agribusiness and food processing

Automation

Automotive manufacturing

Furniture and related product manufacturing

Pharmaceutical manufacturing

Fabricated metal product manufacturing

See how we put your investment to work.

Read the 2025 Annual Report.

 

Dive Into the Lakeshore

  • Why West Michigan?

    Why West Michigan?

    World-class companies, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups have discovered that West Michigan is a beautiful place to do business.

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  • Startups and Entrepreneurs

    Startups and Entrepreneurs

    SURGE is an innovative program and business incubator and start-up hub for start-ups and entrepreneurs in Ottawa and Allegan Counties.

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  • Upcoming Events

    Upcoming Events

    Learn from leaders, discover industry and business trends, and gain insight through Lakeshore Advantage events.

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  • About Our Organization

    About Our Organization

    Our team is constantly working to cultivate a business environment that benefits businesses, employees, and the region.

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LATEST POSTS

Lakeshore Advantage Assists JR Automation with $72.8 Million Expansion in City of Zeeland 

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Lakeshore Advantage Assists JR Automation with $72.8 Million Expansion in City of Zeeland 

New global headquarters will add 150 jobs to Lakeshore region    HOLLAND, Mich. (September 3,...

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Lakeshore Advantage Launches New SURGE Accelerator Programs to Support Startup Growth

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Lakeshore Advantage Launches New SURGE Accelerator Programs to Support Startup Growth

HOLLAND, Mich. (August 29, 2025)—Lakeshore Advantage is launching a new wave of SURGE-powered entrepreneurial programs...

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Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Unveil Top 10 Priorities for Statewide Growth and Prosperity

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Economic Development Leaders for Michigan Unveil Top 10 Priorities for Statewide Growth and Prosperity

HOLLAND, Mich. (August 18, 2025)—Economic Development Leaders for Michigan (EDLM), a coalition of the state’s...

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Lakeshore Advantage Welcomes Three New Industry Leaders to Board of Directors

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Lakeshore Advantage Welcomes Three New Industry Leaders to Board of Directors

New appointments bring expertise from energy, retail and food processing to strengthen regional economic development...

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