Most of the establishments that comprise the more than 200 Downtown Iron Mountain businesses and organizations can be characterized as “small businesses.” The U.S. Small Business Administration defines small businesses as those having fewer than 500 employees. The local definition or perception of what a small business is may be somewhat different – perhaps 50 employees or less. In any case, the founders of such businesses generally don’t start a business by themselves. It often takes varied expertise, assistance, and financial resources to make it happen. In the interest of enhancing and growing the small business community in Downtown Iron Mountain and beyond, the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has compiled this directory of business resources, and will be updating as changes occur or new opportunities become known to us.
Please take a look at the short descriptions and links below for more information on various aspects of growing or starting a business in the Iron Mountain area of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC)
Michigan Technological University is the host for the Upper Peninsula Regional Office of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC). The hosting is a collaboration of the Office of Innovation and Commercialization and the College of Business, and is supported by the US Small Business Administration, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and other collaborators across the state.
The Michigan SBDC enhances Michigan’s economic wellbeing by providing consulting, training and market research for new ventures, existing small businesses and advanced technology companies. With ten offices across the state, the MI-SBDC provides entrepreneurs and business owners with convenient access to free consulting and training throughout Michigan.
https://www.mtu.edu/research/innovation/small-business-devel-center/
The Michigan SBDC also offers free webinars to help businesses achieve and sustain profitability and growth. A full range of topics are available as pre-recorded, on-demand sessions or during live webinars. Visit the library of on-demand sessions for more information.
MI-SBDC publishes a Guide to Starting and Operating a Small Business. Information includes steps for starting a business; forms of business organization; elements of a business plan; federal, state and local tax obligations; management, hiring, marketing and more.
https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/start-my-business/
Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP)
The LSCP provides comprehensive strategic planning and business planning services for entrepreneurs. No matter what stage in the process you are at, the Business Development Team at the LSCP can provide education, coaching, research assistance and advice. The LSCP has a vast network of local and regional partnerships to provide the most appropriate resources when the need arises. Contact our Business Development Team today to begin working on your new business.
https://marquette.org/business-resources/start-a-business/
InvestUP
InvestUP is a privately funded, not-for-profit economic growth organization dedicated to advancing the economy of the Upper Peninsula. Check out their website for links to various economic development organizations throughout the Upper Peninsula.
https://www.investupmi.com/index.php/start-ups/
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The MEDC works with Michigan businesses and communities of all sizes to deliver the services and support they need to grow and succeed. This happens through a network of local and regional partners who provide small business assistance and resources. The MEDC has a website specifically for the Upper Peninsula Region, with information and links to a variety of partner organizations in the U.P.
https://www.michiganbusiness.org/regions/upper-peninsula-region/
Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance
The Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance (DAEDA) provides comprehensive strategic planning and business planning services for entrepreneurs. The Alliance can provide education, coaching, research assistance and advice. The Alliance also utilizes network of local and regional partnerships to provide the resources.
https://daeda.org/start-a-business/
Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce
The Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce is a valuable resource for businesses and residents in the Iron Mountain area. The Chamber offers networking and marketing opportunities as well as money saving benefits for members.
https://dickinsonchamber.com/
City of Iron Mountain - Starting a Business
There are a few steps to go through to practice business in the City of Iron Mountain. This page on the City of Iron Mountain website provides information regarding necessary licenses and permits, and incorporating in the State of Michigan.
https://www.cityofironmountain.com/406/Starting-a-Business
U.S. Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration helps businesses in a number of ways, including free business counseling, SBA-guaranteed business loans, and disaster recovery loans. The SBA also offers a wealth of information through their website.
https://www.sba.gov/
Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) Regional Commission
The mission of the Central Upper Peninsula Planning and Development (CUPPAD) Regional Commission is to foster cooperative analysis, planning and action for economic, social and physical development and conservation within the central Upper Peninsula. CUPPAD partners with state agencies, municipalities, and the private sector to redevelop and revitalize communities in the Region.
https://cuppad.org/
Michigan Corporations Online Filing System
The state of Michigan is dedicated to making your business experience easier than ever. The Corporations Online Filing System is your first stop for registering your business and ensuring it complies with state laws and regulations.
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/cscl/corps/michigan-business-roadmap/start-a-business
Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP)
The Michigan Business Development Program (MBDP) is available to eligible businesses that create qualified new jobs and/or make qualified new investment in Michigan. “Qualified new job” means a new, full-time job performed by an individual who is either: a resident of Michigan whose Michigan income taxes are withheld by an employer; or an employee leasing company or professional employer organization on behalf of the employer or an individual who is not a resident of Michigan and is employed by a business at a project location that is located within Michigan.
https://www.michiganbusiness.org/services/mbdp/