Free Grant Basics Toolkit

Looking to strengthen your grant readiness? The MI Funding Hub’s Grant Basics Toolkit offers practical templates, checklists, and guides to help organizations plan, apply for, and manage grant-funded projects more effectively.

Business & Development News

Bay County Breaks Ground for New

Community Center Pool

Bay County has officially broken ground on a new Community Center Pool, marking the start of construction on a modern aquatic facility designed for residents of all ages. The project reflects a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and engaging space, featuring accessible design elements, play areas, lap swimming space, and amenities that support both recreation and programming.

Once complete, the facility will offer expanded opportunities for families, swim lessons, and community activities. The pool is expected to open in June 2027 and will serve as a valuable addition to the region’s recreational assets.

New Outdoor Dining Concept Proposed on Center Ave.

A proposed sidewalk café at 213 Center Ave. could bring new outdoor dining and live entertainment to downtown Bay City. The request is currently under review by the Bay City Commission.

Workforce & Talent

Where the Jobs Are: Michigan’s Top Careers

Through 2032

The Michigan Center for Data and Analytics has released a publication highlighting Michigan’s high-demand, high-wage careers through 2032. Designed for high school students, college students, and jobseekers, the resource features careers that offer strong projected job growth, annual openings, and competitive wages. It also points readers to additional occupational forecasts and labor market research available through Michigan’s Online Job Demand publication.

Explore New Opportunities:

SVSU Employment Fair Open to the Community

Saginaw Valley State University will host its Alumni & Professional Employment Fair on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Curtiss Hall Banquet Rooms. Open to recent graduates, alumni, and community professionals, the event offers job seekers the chance to connect with employers, explore full-time and part-time opportunities, and take the next step in their career journey.

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

Bay City Commercial Open House

Ayre/Rhinehart Bay will host a commercial open house at 102 Ausable in Bay City on April 15, highlighting a fully renovated property with strong potential for a variety of business uses. The event is designed for real estate professionals, lenders, and community stakeholders to explore the space and consider opportunities for occupancy, investment, or business expansion.

Invest in Your Leadership Growth

The Emerging Leaders Spring Training is a half-day program designed for early-career economic developers, featuring topics tailored to their professional growth and development. Attendees will gain insights from experienced leaders while also building valuable connections through networking.

Building Stronger Rural Communities

The Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity will host the Rural Futures Summit on April 20 in Lansing. The event will bring together rural policy experts, researchers, and community leaders to share ideas, explore trends, and highlight practical strategies that help rural communities move their goals forward.

Business by the Bay

Additional Events

Economic Development Marketing & Attraction

IEDC Economic Development Fundamentals

Webinar: Brownfield Redevelopment in Michigan: Strategy, Structure, and Successful Implementation – Part 2

Michigan’s Premier Economic Summit and Annual Meeting

Bay Future Updates

We Are Moving!

Bay Future, Inc. will relocate its office in April 2026 to a new downtown Bay City location at 101 1st Street, Suite 101.

The move will bring Bay Future, Inc., the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bay City Downtown Management Board, and the Bay City Downtown Development Authority together under one roof, creating stronger alignment around economic development, business support, and downtown vitality.

By working in close proximity, the four organizations will be better positioned to coordinate initiatives, strengthen communication, and advance shared priorities more efficiently. This collaborative approach is designed to support stronger outcomes for businesses, attract investment, and enhance the overall economic competitiveness of Bay City and Bay County.

News Articles & Resources

National Spotlight on Rural Prosperity

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has launched a new national initiative focused on helping states better support thriving rural communities. The effort will create a centralized space for state rural prosperity offices to share resources, collaborate, and strengthen strategies that address issues such as workforce, infrastructure, and long-term economic opportunity.

The announcement is especially notable for Michigan, which was recognized as one of the states already advancing this work through a rural prosperity office. The initiative reflects growing national attention on the importance of rural economic development and the need for coordinated, place-based solutions that help communities grow and compete.