Schoolcraft County
Thompson
Cooks
Gulliver
Manistique
Seney
Germfask
Hiawatha
Mueller
Want to create a business you're proud of? Let's get started.
Congratulations on your decision to start your own business in Schoolcraft County! Below you will find resources that you need to help your business succeed.
A Place Where Businesses Come To Stay
Schoolcraft County offers a rare combination of business opportunity and quality of life: safe, welcoming communities, unmatched natural beauty, and a pace that allows people and businesses to thrive. Companies (and people!) don’t just come here; they stay.
Step 2: Deciding the Location of your Business
All businesses, including those that are home-based and store fronts, should research the necessary zoning laws of the county and city where your business will be located. Never purchase or lease a building without first checking with the appropriate zoning department.
Check the zoning category of the property and get in touch with the appropriate zoning administrator.
Schoolcraft County Zoning Ordinance Administration
zoning@schoolcraftcounty.us | (906) 341-3677
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City of Manistique Zoning Ordinance Administration
Corey Barr | citymanager@cityofmanistique.net | (906) 450-3682
Step 3: Licensing and Permits
To run your business legally, there may be certain state, county, and/or city licenses and permits you will need before getting your business up and running. The Michigan Small Business Development Center is always available to help you walk through these steps.
Decide on your legal structure & obtain your employer ID
Determine if you are subject to any special licensing
Determine permit requirements
Step 4: Financing & Incentives
Special incentives and programs may be available depending on your type of business, needs, and future plans. Support often starts with a call or meeting to discuss more details. Contact Victoria George to get the conversation started at (906) 341-5010 or email vgeorge@discovermanistique.com.
Connect with a Local Financial Institution
To help with financial needs contact one of our local financial institutions who are members of Schoolcraft Tourism and Commerce.
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Not able to qualify for a traditional business loan? Learn more at Northern Initiatives, a Community Development Financial Institution that may be able to help.
Tax Abatements, Grants & More
For Tax Abatements contact our City Manager at
(906) 450-3682 | citymanager@cityofmanistique.net​
To view Tax Abatement options visit:
​To view additional programs and resources available visit:
Step 5: Workforce Development
We’ve curated a collection of resources designed to help you support your greatest asset: your people. From retention strategies to specialized training tools, find everything you need to build a stronger, more resilient workforce today.
We are committed to the success of Schoolcraft County and work collaboratively to create an environment that results in economic prosperity for all.