Where Opportunity Awaits

Keweenaw Bay and Beyond offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses to thrive. The Economic Development Corporation serves as a conduit for the collaboration needed to make that happen.

Make a splash!

Fast Facts

8,152

Population

6.9%

Unemployment

$46.6K

Median Household Income

In The News

In The News
> Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation

BARAGA COUNTY CHAMBER OFFERS DYNAMO YOUNG BUSINESS GRANTS

In order to help attract new business and assist young businesses in Baraga County, the Baraga County Chamber of Commerce has established the Baraga County Dynamo Grant Program. The program will offer up to $5,000 to start-up businesses or businesses within the first twelve months of start up as selected by the Dynamo Grant Program…
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In The News
> Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation

Copper Shores Bridges Expands to Baraga County

Classes begin in August; Applications due by July 19 Copper Shores Community Health Foundation is excited to announce the expansion of its Bridges program to Baraga County. Beginning in August, Bridges will offer its introductory class, Getting Ahead, on Wednesday evenings. Applications are due Friday, July 19, 2024. Getting Ahead is a community-oriented class intended…
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In The News
> Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Corporation

JOIN US TO LEARN ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS, THE HUB, AND MORE!

JOIN US TO LEARN ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS, THE HUB, AND MORE! We're excited to announce intro sessions for the Central U.P. Small Business Support Hub! Join us for an exciting in-person gathering to learn about the resources available to small businesses. These events will also provide business owners the chance to learn about the…
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Opportunity Awaits

Welcome to Keweenaw Bay and Beyond, the heart of Baraga County…a community that is ripe with opportunities for your business. Whether it’s our abundance of resources, our talented, committed workforce or the sheer beauty of living by the Bay, we have much to offer.

As the Director of Business Development for the Baraga County Economic Development Corporation, I look forward to applying my experience in implementing strategic initiatives and developing key relationships to assist you in your new venture. Whether you’re looking to relocate a business, start one from the ground up or expand your existing business, this is where you want to be.

If you would like to chat to see how we can help you achieve your goals, please feel free to reach out to me to set up a time.

Mary Myers
Director of Business Development
231 409 9065
Mary@baragacounty.org

2024 Meeting Schedule

The Board of Directors of the Economic Development Corporation of the County of Baraga will hold their monthly meetings on the following dates in 2024: 

Tuesday, January 16
Tuesday, February 20
Tuesday, March 19
Tuesday, April 16
Tuesday, May 21
Tuesday, June 18
Tuesday, August 20
Tuesday, September 17
Tuesday, October 15
Tuesday, November 5 
Tuesday, December 10 

All meetings begin at 11:30 am and are held at the Village of L’Anse located at 101 North Main Street, L’Anse, MI 49946. 

Board of Directors

Phil Acciacca
Director
Acciacca Forest Products
Robert LaFave
Director
Village of L’Anse
Koral Inal
Secretary
UP.Net - Baraga Telephone
Mark Massicotte
Chairman
L’Anse Manufacturing
Ethan Johnson
Treasurer
Superior National Bank
Bill Menge
Director
Retired
Roy Kemppainen
Director
Retired
Brad Dakota
Director
Baraga County Commissioner
Rob Stowe
Director
Baraga Memorial Hospital
Jennifer Misegan
Director
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community

Partners

A History of Achievement

The Baraga County Economic Development Corporation, also known as the BCEDC, was founded in 1983 by a group community visionaries. Its purpose was to promote and economic prosperity in Baraga County. One of the most notable accomplishments to the organization’s credit is the first Industrial Park located on Dynamite Hill in L’Anse.

Fast forward to 2016 when in response to community outcry for economic prosperity, the then dormant organization was revitalized. Appointed by Baraga Co. Commissioners, the Board is comprised of a diverse group of active community leaders who understand the need to retain youth and support existing businesses, while actively working to create opportunities for new ones.  It is these goals which drives the BCEDC to fulfill its primary mission to promote collaboration for economic and workforce development within Baraga County as well as and surrounding counties.

Our Achievements

Here are some examples of the important work done to date:

  • Completed Site Readiness grant which resulted in a $75,000 grant for the industrial park in L’Anse to complete the gas line.
  • Assisted a manufacturing company with an MEDC grant to purchase equipment.
  • Continue to partner with organizations like UP Michigan Works! and WUPPDR to provide services to Baraga County.
  • Led the implementation of the MEDC’s Restart Grant Program assisting 26 companies in Baraga County, with 20 receiving awards totaling $120,753.
  • Led the MEDC’s Survival Grant Program assisting 18 companies with 17 receiving awards totaling $66,500 in Baraga County.
  • Developed website content to assist businesses with COVID-19 resources and regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in housing and childcare task forces to provide solutions for the business community.
  • Support and assist businesses from start up to success planning.
  • Send two site selector email blasts annually with available properties in Baraga County to list of over 800 site selectors.