Ready to Ignite Your Business? | |
Bring your vision to the Ignite Manistee Pitch Competition! Whether you're launching a new venture, growing an existing business, or taking your next big idea to the next level, Ignite Manistee gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their ideas, gain valuable exposure, and compete for $5,000 to help move their business forward.
Applications are now open! If you have a business idea, a growing venture, or a vision for what's next, this could be your opportunity to put it in the spotlight and compete for $5,000.
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Final Live Pitch Event: December 10, 2026
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
Ignite Manistee is made possible with support from Premier Sponsor West Shore Bank and Venue Partner Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
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Please join us for the 2026 Candidate Forum, hosted by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.
This is a FREE forum with no RSVP required.
The forum line-up includes city council, state representative, and state senate candidates in contested positions:
- State Senator Kim Cole (32nd District)
- State Senator Rebecca Amidon (32nd District)
- State Rep. Curt Vanderwall (102 District)
- Challenger Angel Coon (102 District)
- Council member Kay Keck (5th District)
- Challenger Seth Pratt (5th District)
WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026
WHERE: West Shore Community College, Manistee Downtown Education Center, Classrooms A & B, 400 River Street, Manistee MI
Patrons may arrive as early as 5:00 PM to meet the candidates and mingle.
The forum begins at 5:30 PM and will be moderated. If time allows, the public may ask additional questions to candidates at the conclusion of the forum.
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Your Voice Matters!
As the leading voice of Manistee County’s business community, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advocating for policies that strengthen our economy, support workforce development, and foster a competitive business environment.
If you or your organization are facing a legislative or regulatory challenge that affects your operations, we want to hear from you. Please use this form to request the Chamber’s support, engagement, or action on local, state, or federal policy matters.
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Business Retention Visit
Your business. Your voice. Your future.
Staying connected with our local businesses is a top priority. Business Retention Visits are an opportunity to sit down with our Economic Development team, share what’s going well, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for growth.
Whether you’re facing workforce needs, considering an expansion, or simply have an idea to share, we’re here to listen and help connect you with resources.
Ready to connect?
| | Grant Funding Opportunities Available Through MCCF | | |
The Manistee County Community Foundation (MCCF) is accepting grant applications for its 2026 Fall Grant Cycle.
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Grant Application Deadline: September 15, 2026
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Funding Decisions Announced: By November 15, 2026
Potential applicants must first complete a simple Grant Inquiry Form. MCCF will respond to your inquiry within two weeks to let you know if your project meets the guidelines. Eligible applicants will be provided a link to the Grant Application Portal. Applications submitted by September 15 will be considered for the 2026 Fall Grant Cycle.
Additionally, requests of $5,000 or less for recreational projects are considered on a rolling basis. Funding decisions for these requests are typically made within 45 days.
Full program details and guidelines can be found through Manistee County Community Foundation.
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Venture North: Express Loan
Looking for flexible funding to support your business growth?
The Express Loan offers $5,000–$25,000 in financing with a quick and streamlined approval process for eligible startups and established businesses.
Funds may be used for:
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Working capital
- Façade improvements
- And more
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Economic Development Investor Spotlight:
Pioneer Construction
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Pioneer Construction is a valued partner in supporting the economic growth and strength of Manistee County. As a local employer and business, Pioneer Construction contributes to the community through job creation, investment, and continued growth.
As an Economic Development Investor, Pioneer Construction supports the Chamber’s efforts to advance economic development, strengthen local businesses, and create opportunities that contribute to a thriving future for Manistee County.
"Creating jobs and growing local businesses build a stronger Manistee County, and the Chamber’s Economic Development program drives that work forward. Pioneer Construction is proud to be a partner, and we look forward to continuing our support."
- Jason Gibbs, Pioneer Construction
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Facade Grant Program
Own a property in the Manistee Downtown District? Apply for a Manistee DDA Façade Grant, which helps fund exterior renovations and restorations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis - any time is a great time to enhance your downtown property!
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Chamber UnTapped
Enjoy an evening at Wander In with great food, refreshing drinks, and good company. Chamber UnTapped offers the perfect chance to relax, reconnect, and connect with fellow Chamber members in a welcoming, social atmosphere.
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Location: Wander In, Manistee, MI
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Demystifying Marketing Workshop
With the US-31 Project on the horizon, now is the time to make sure your business knows how to stay visible, communicate effectively, and keep customers connected. In partnership with Venture North, this practical workshop will help take the guesswork out of marketing and give you strategies you can put to work right away.
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Location: WSCC Manistee Downtown Education Center, Classroom B,
400 River St., Manistee, MI
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Cost: FREE! Please RSVP at ManisteeChamber.com
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The Community Champion
Know someone who makes our community a better place? Nominate them for the Manistee News Advocate’s Community Champion program. Nominations are open year-round. NOMINATE HERE!
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Readers Choice
Nominate your favorite local businesses and personalities! The top three in each category will advance to the voting round, running October 3–25.
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The Prime Time Living Expo
This event connects residents 55+ and their families or caregivers with resources on senior living, wealth management, veterans services, hospice, and more.
Interested in being a vendor? Contact Danette Doyle at danette.doyle@hearst.com.
• September 23 | 9 AM–1 PM
• Wagoner Community Center, Manistee
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Taste of the North Shore
Enjoy a culinary experience featuring delicious dishes from local restaurants and vendors, showcasing the flavors of the North Shore. Interested in participating? Contact Danette Doyle at danette.doyle@hearst.com.
• November 4 | 5:30–7:30 PM
• Little River Casino Resort Event Center
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