With a diversified business and industrial base and a prime location, Southwest Michigan enjoys a strong economy.

The Groves is located halfway between Detroit and Chicago, close to I-94, US-131, I-69, and I-80, and within 300 miles of ten major markets.

The region benefits from a well-trained work force and from government, education, and business leaders committed to continued growth.

Western Michigan offers excellent public and private school systems and benefits from the influences of higher education, both from our local colleges and university, and from the region's strong ties to Michigan State University, The University of Michigan, and the University of Notre Dame.

Michigan is beautiful year round. Athletes and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the state's four-season climate and Kalamazoo's proximity to Lake Michigan - just 45 minutes away. Indoor activities are plentiful too, in a community particularly supportive of the arts, music, theater, and other cultural pursuits.

"Intellectual capital. Aggressive economic development. Great lifestyle. We've got it all." -Robert B. Jones (Mayor, City of Kalamazoo)

Interested in starting or expanding a business? The Greater Kalamazoo Region offers:

• A highly skilled workforce and a wealth of management and scientific talent who can lead technology startups and pull in investment capital (more than 13,000 people are employed in the life sciences)
• Access to the resources of Western Michigan University, a major regional research institution, as well as three other excellent colleges
• A solid economic mix of large employers - Stryker Corporation, Pfizer, and Target Corporation - with smaller manufacturers and support/service providers
• Low start-up costs and access to significant seed capital from philanthropic organizations, angel investors, and community partners
• A strong infrastructure system for business development and training, including the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center and one of the best Michigan Technical Education Centers (M-TECs) in the state