Proposals sought for an Upper Peninsula of Michigan Labor Market Study, Projection, and Recommendation Report

The Upper Peninsula Collaborative Development Council (UPCDC) is seeking proposals for services to assist in the study of a regional workforce and labor pool, supply, and demand. The region includes the fifteen rural counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. InvestUP as the lead organization of the UPCDC, is administering this grant and facilitating this process on […]
New federal ABR grant available for U.P. tourism, entertainment, and retail businesses

Deadline is March 31 UPPER PENINSULA, MI (March 2, 2022) Qualifying Upper Peninsula businesses that have suffered financial hardship from COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for the State of Michigan’s new Afflicted Business Relief (ABR) grant program. There is a total of $409 million in funds available from the American Rescue Plan Act. The nine […]
U.P. downtowns transformed into revitalized destinations

Placemaking projects energizing the experiences for residents & visitors UPPER PENINSULA, MI (Feb. 8, 2022) The downtown streets of villages, cities, and towns across the Upper Peninsula bustle with activity. Art galleries, craft breweries, unique boutiques, distinctive restaurants — all can be found in the walkable downtown districts of the U.P. As more people are […]
New Office of Rural Development a major win for U.P. communities and businesses

MARQUETTE, MI (January 5, 2022) InvestUP lauded the creation of the Michigan Office of Rural Development to help strengthen and build prosperity among the state’s rural communities. Executive Order 2022-1 calls for the new office to coordinate departments and agencies to advance opportunity and provide guidance on economic development, affordable housing, environmental preservation, green energy […]
U.P. Businesses and People
Continue to Thrive!

2021 Year in Review More than $ 0 Million* is being invested into the U.P.’s infrastructure. More than 0 Businesses across the region opened for business or expanded and created jobs. Nearly 0 % of U.P. Hospitals expanded or joined larger healthcare systems to advance rural healthcare options. More than $ 0 Million record visitors […]
CEOs across region share expert experiences and advice on growth, culture, and finding success in U.P.
UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (Tues. June 15, 2021) – InvestUP is pleased to announce its new series, Lead to Succeed: Conversations with U.P. Business Leaders. Hosted by Steve Arwood, InvestUP strategic advisor and former CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the series will explore the opportunities and challenges of leading a business in the U.P. […]
Higher education drives Upper Peninsula’s economic and cultural ecosystem

Eight colleges bring nearly $1 billion a year to U.P. UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (Mon. June 7, 2021) – Tucked away among the miles of forestland and quaint communities of Michigan’s U.P. are four universities and four community colleges that have become powerful drivers of economic growth, incubators of groundbreaking research, and builders of a skilled […]
UP residents are doing their part to end the pandemic
Interviews with Dr. Lorinser, medical director of Marquette County Health Department, and LSSU President Dr. Hanley uncover some positive news about the U.P. COVID-19 status and progress in our business communities. UPPER PENINSULA, MI (April 29, 2021) — After a year of challenges and sacrifices, we’re all ready for a bit of good news. Recently, […]
ARPA allocations provide potential relief for UP businesses, communities, and non-profits
UPPER PENINSULA, MI (April 15, 2021) – On March 11, the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was signed into law. A number of ARPA provisions relate directly or indirectly to economic development and community development interests in the Upper Peninsula. Below is a very brief summary of these provisions. For more information on […]
One Year Later: U.P. resilient through COVID-19
Despite challenges and changes, the U.P. persevered, relying on the grit it’s known for, its quality of life, affordability, and outdoor adventure and natural beauty. These attributes cultivated new business and attracted remote workers to the region and illustrated what makes the U.P. a truly special place to live and work. Even the Wall Street […]