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1. I want to start my own small business. Where do I begin?

Contact the following to start your own small business:

• Call Cornerstone Small Business Center at 269-925-6100.
• Contact the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center located at the Western Michigan University Southwest Campus in Benton Harbor (LMC Campus) at 269-934-1524 or 269-934-1526.
• Contact the Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center located at the Southwestern Michigan College M-TEC Campus in Niles at 269-687-5640.

2. Why would I want to locate my business in Southwest Michigan?

View the Ten Reasons to do Business in Michigan's Great Southwest Brochure (PDF) .

• Brownfield Redevelopment
• Business Support
• Community Development Block Grants
• Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
• Job Training Grants
• Regulatory and Licensing Assistance
• Renaissance Zones
• Revolving Loan Fund
• Tax Abatements
• Workforce Development

3. Is Michigan a Right-to-Work State?

No, Michigan is a work-at-will state.

4. Does Berrien County have a lot of Union shops?

No, while Berrien County does have some Unions, the vast majority of businesses do not have Unions. In fact, only 12% of all Michigan businesses are Union, with many of those companies located on the East side of the state.