Southwest Michigan First - The Organization
Southwest Michigan First is the catalyst stimulating growth across the Kalamazoo Region. Whether you're a site selector, an investor, an entrepreneur or part of an existing company looking to grow, Southwest Michigan First has the resources and expertise to assist you in identifying and surpassing your goals.

Strategically located between Chicago and Detroit in Southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo has a 150-year history in life science and advanced manufacturing. The region is home to Stryker Corporation, Pfizer, Parker Hannifin Hydraulics, Perrigo, Whirlpool, Kellogg and scores of other highly successful companies.

Our commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship has fostered the creation of the world-renowned Kalamazoo Promise college scholarship program; the Southwest Michigan Innovation Center, a life science accelerator that has launched more than two dozen start-ups; the $50 million Southwest Michigan First Life Science Fund, the nation’s largest community-based venture fund, and First Angels, an angel network providing seed money to young entrepreneurs.

Nationally recognized for its groundbreaking Community Capitalism approach to economic development, Southwest Michigan First offers unprecedented access to business and industry, higher education, workforce talent, financial incentives and state and local government – everything you need to start, expand or locate your business in the Kalamazoo Region.
First Quote
Nothing good happens without optimism.

- Steve Ballmer


Sign Up for Daily First Quote >
In The News
Site Proposal
Creator


Build a customized site proposal to locate your business in the Kalamazoo Region with demographic and workforce statistics, business incentives, available facilities, plus much more!
Community
Capitalism


Community Capitalism: Lessons from Kalamazoo and Beyond, puts the groundbreaking economic development strategies employed by the Kalamazoo Region in the national spotlight...
Southwest Michigan
Manufacturing Diversification Summit


The Southwest Michigan Manufacturing Diversification Summit will be held on August 19, 2009 to educate Michigan manufacturers on how they can diversify into growing manufacturing sectors.

Register for the Summit >