Economic Development

Iron County offers unparalleled beauty and a quality of life that’s second to none – it’s hard to imagine a better place to start your new business or grow your existing enterprise. At the ICECA, we’re here to help you thrive in Iron County.

About

The Iron County Economic Chamber Alliance works on behalf of all of Iron County – our employees, our Board of Trustees and the Chamber committee work in support of the ICECA’s mission each and every day.

Mission

To develop and steward a spirit of economic vitality that results in Iron County becoming a center of collaboration, innovation, investment, and entrepreneurial opportunity.

Vision

Shaping the future of Iron County as a thriving region of economic activity and high quality of life that becomes that place you never want to leave and if you must, a place you can’t wait to return.

Our Goal

Our goal is to be the first stop for economic development support and questions here in Iron County. We offer many support services for entrepreneurs, new businesses and existing businesses. We can also bring local and regional decision makers to the table to help answer your questions about growing and thriving here in Iron County.

WE’RE HERE FOR SMALL BUSINESS​​

In Iron County, our small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. The ICECA works hand-in-hand with businesses, agencies and driven individuals to create a fertile economic garden for our regional enterprises to grow and thrive.

Whether you are a new business looking to start-up, an existing business looking to expand into the Upper Peninsula market or a long-time Iron County business looking to expand, let us help connect you to the tools and agencies to help you reach your goal.

Stop by the ICECA’s offices and let us share our history, our vision, our region and our tools with you. Together we can thrive here in the western U.P.

Services Overview​

  • General, confidential business counseling and support (business plan review, financials review, eCommerce etc.)
  • Marketing assistance (traditional media, social media, web, etc.)
  • Access to retail purchasing data, demographic data and gap analysis data (plus help interpreting the data)
  • Help locating potential retail and business locations (existing buildings or shovel-ready sites)
  • Coordination with governmental agencies and regional technical assistance agencies (SBDC, MEDC, WUPPDR, Michigan Works, Northern Initiatives, etc.)
  • Grant writing
  • Business retention and expansion program (through the Iron County Chamber of Commerce)
  • Economic development strategic planning for Iron County
  • Economic development event coordination (Economic Summit)

Zach Hautala
Director
Zach@iron.org

 

Louisa Kniivila
Office/RV Manager
Louisa@iron.org