The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $32.4 million in funding through the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) to support farmers markets, food hubs, agritourism, and other local food enterprises.

Funding is available through multiple programs supporting direct-to-consumer sales, food business development, and regional partnerships.

Applications are due June 5, 2026.

Business & Development News

Bay County Business Achievement

Big congratulations to A Spencer Gellise Salon on being recognized as the SBDC Best Small Business at Michigan Celebrates Small Business!

We’re proud to see a Bay County business honored among outstanding entrepreneurs from across the state. This recognition reflects the hard work, vision, and growth happening right here in our community.

Wenonah Park Expansion Supports Workforce & Quality of Life

The Leadership Bay County Class of 2026, in partnership with United Way of Bay County, has officially broken ground on the Wenonah Park Playground Expansion.

The project will introduce a safer, more accessible play space designed specifically for infants and toddlers, helping address a key gap in early childhood infrastructure. Investments like this play an important role in strengthening Bay County’s workforce by supporting families, expanding access to childcare-friendly environments, and enhancing overall quality of life.

By creating spaces that better serve working families, the project contributes to broader economic development efforts—helping attract and retain talent while supporting a more resilient, inclusive community.

Commercial Space for Lease in Pinconning

208 S. Manitou Street – Pinconning, MI

Now available: a versatile and well-maintained commercial space offering approximately 2,000 square feet, ideal for a variety of business uses.

This functional layout includes restrooms and a convenient small kitchen/break area, making it well suited for office, retail, service-based businesses or light commercial operations. This space offers flexibility to customize your needs while providing essential amenities already in place.

Features include:

• 2,000 sq. ft. of usable space
• Restrooms for staff and customers
• Small kitchen/breakroom area
• Open and adaptable floor plan
• Ample parking
• Convenient access and visibility
• Immediate move in capabilities

For more information you can find this listing on Great Lakes Bay Sites or to schedule a viewing, please contact Rebecca Lakin, City Manager at (989) 879-2360 or lakinr@cityofpinconningmi.gov

Small Business, Big Difference

National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the entrepreneurs and small business owners who play a vital role in driving our local and regional economy.

Across our region, small businesses are creating jobs, investing in their communities, and bringing new ideas to life every day. Their resilience, innovation, and commitment are what keep our communities strong and growing.

At Bay Future, we’re proud to support small businesses through connections to resources, funding opportunities, and workforce solutions that help them succeed and expand. This week—and every week—we celebrate the impact small businesses have on our economy and our quality of life.

Workforce & Talent

Mi Career Quest

MiCareerQuest Middle Michigan will bring 10th grade students from across the region to SVSU for a hands-on career exploration experience unlike any other.

Hosted by Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works! and Michigan Works! Region 7B, the event connects students, teachers, counselors, and career navigators with working professionals in high-demand industries. Students will have the opportunity to explore careers through interactive exhibits featuring equipment, simulators, robots, drones, and more.

As many as 100 employers will showcase opportunities in Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Business, Construction, Health Sciences, and Information Technology, helping students better understand the career pathways available right here in our region.

SVSU Alumni & Professionals Employment Fair

Job seekers are invited to connect with employers and explore career opportunities at SVSU’s Alumni & Professionals Employment Fair on May 20 from 5–7 PM in the Curtiss Hall Banquet Rooms. This event is open to alumni and professionals looking to take the next step in their careers.

Looking for Talent? Start Here.

Attention Bay County employers! Post your open job positions on the Hey, Bay City! Job Board! With 7,000 to 10,000 views every month, it’s a fantastic way to connect with qualified candidates.

• Posting a job is FREE and EASY!
• First, create an account.
• TrueJob will send you an email with an account confirmation link – click it, and you’ve got an account!
• Login to TrueJob.
• Make sure “Employer” is selected at the top of your screen.
• Select “Set up Organization”, fill in your information, and submit.
• In the “Job Postings” box on the next screen, click “+New” and input the position’s information

Events

Building Michigan Communities

The Building Michigan Communities Conference brings together housing and community development leaders from across Michigan for two days of learning, networking, and collaboration.

Taking place May 12–13, 2026, at the Lansing Center, BMCC offers valuable insight for developers, public officials, policymakers, advocates, and community partners working to strengthen communities and expand housing opportunities.

Regional Leaders Invited to Conscious Connections

Conscious Capitalism is bringing regional leaders together for a half-day working session focused on collaboration, shared purpose, and stronger partnerships across the Great Lakes Bay Region. The event will connect leaders from business, nonprofit, education, healthcare, housing, transit, and community organizations to explore new opportunities and work together on the region’s future.

2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo

Businesses have the opportunity to connect directly with corporate buyers at the 2026 Supplier Matchmaking Expo, hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration in collaboration with General Motors and the New American Industrial Alliance.

This no-cost, in-person event is designed to help strengthen U.S. supply chains by bringing together American suppliers and buyers. Attendees can participate in one-on-one matchmaking meetings, explore an exhibit hall with U.S. buyers and business support organizations, and build relationships that may lead to future contract opportunities.

Business by the Bay

Additional Events

Workforce Development Strategies

Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development Strategies

Bay Future Updates

Regional Partners Collaborate on Business Growth

Bay Future recently joined partners from the MEDC, MDARD, and Saginaw Future for a tour and Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) visit at Michigan Brands.

BRE visits are a vital part of supporting a strong local economy. By meeting directly with existing employers, Bay Future can better understand their needs, challenges, and future plans while helping connect them with resources and support. These conversations also help identify opportunities for growth, expansion, and continued investment right here in the community.

Address Update

We’ve moved! Please update your records with our new address:

101 1st Street, Suite 101

Bay City, MI 48708

This new shared space brings the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Bay Future, The Bay City DDA and DMB together under one roof, strengthening collaboration and alignment for the business community.

News Articles & Resources

Understanding What Makes Communities Thrive

The Rural Livability Project has launched a new interactive map to help communities measure success beyond traditional economic growth. The tool compares county-level data across prosperity, quality of life, and community assets, giving communities another way to understand local strengths and make informed investment decisions.

• Find MEDC educational videos and resources to support Michigan businesses and communities.

• Gov. Whitmer invests $4M to support Registered Apprenticeship training for more than 600 Michiganders

• Michigan SBDC Event Calendar