Incentives & Development
EDCMC is here to help you navigate the tax and incentive opportunities available here in Michigan City through one-on-one assistance. Our team can connect you to vital programs or services, make introductions to relevant leaders and stakeholders, recommend community resources and help you optimize the local- and state-level incentive packages.
Incentives
Incentives are project-based. Projects should be in alignment with the city’s vision and strategic plan.
TIF is a financial tool used to create future tax increments as revenue to finance current improvements that will create future taxes. A project meeting is mandatory to initiate TIF discussions and must be project based. Please contact our office to initiate your project and see if it qualifies.
An incentive available for Real & Personal Property, (i.e. land and equipment) for new or existing businesses. Tax abatement is defined as the reduction of, or exemption from, taxes granted by a government for a specified period, usually to encourage certain activities such as investment in capital equipment (which includes buildings).
Forms CF-1, 103-ERA, and 103-LONG must be completed in the tax abatement process.
Forms can be located at: Dept. of Local Government Finance under the “Personal” tab.
Please contact our office to set up a meeting to initiate the application process. City Council approval is necessary before your project starts. Our office will coordinate with your company to prepare the application and presentation for recommendation to the Common Council.
Available through the City of Michigan City’s Redevelopment Commission. Applicable for siding, windows, and doors. No roofs. There is also an “Extended Use of Facade Grant” for items permanently attached to the building. Facade Grant application must be filled out first before discussions of extended use occur.
Contact: City of Michigan City | Dept. Of Planning & Inspection | 219-873-1419
Liquor Licenses are tied to the buildings in Michigan City. Cost is $1,000/year and must be renewed annually. Establishments must be opened year-round and full service.
Tenant must have signed a lease or officially purchased a building before going through liquor license application process.
Contact: City of Michigan City | Dept. Of Planning & Inspection | 219-873-1419
Reimbursable grant for assistance with converting upper stories of commercial buildings into apartments and can receive $15,000 for up to 8 units.
Must be a new, truly livable space. Not a renovation program. Typically has a 1-time use.
Land must be zoned commercial.
Contact: City of Michigan City | Dept. Of Planning & Inspection | 219-873-1419
The EDCMC works closely with BCA Consultants to assist with Environmental Studies on Brownfield Properties – grants are available to pay for Phase 1 or Phase 2 as part of commercial/industrial purchase.
A company located within an FTZ does not pay duties or personal property taxes on goods stored within the zone. Zone status provides the following benefits:
- Duty is deferred on imported goods admitted to the zone, thus improving cash flow for the company.
- No U.S. duty is assessed when exporting goods from the zone.
- Processing goods within the zone can eliminate or lower tariffs.
- Duties can be avoided on defective or damaged goods by inspecting and testing imported goods within a zone.
- Savings may be realized in transport insurance.
- Inventory stored in a Foreign Trade Zone is exempt from local property taxes.
Please contact the EDCMC if you are interested in utilizing the FTZ designation as our office works closely with the Ports of Indiana and/or South Bend Airport to designate subzones in Michigan City.
A program from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Encompassing most of the North & East portions of the city, the HUBZone Program helps small businesses gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. These preferences go to small businesses that obtain HUBZone certification in part by employing staff who live in a HUBZone. To view Michigan City map, please click below:
Map and Prospectus attached. Contact your attorney for further assistance in applying for a project in an Opportunity Zone.
IEDC Indiana Opportunity Zone Resources
Provides credit assistance for qualified projects of regional and national significance.
Funding available for residential projects within ½ mile of Michigan City Train Station – 11th St or Carroll St.
Review fees to see if it is worth initial investment for fees such as NEPA (environmental), etc., which typically takes 6 months – 1 year to complete. Speak with your CPA/Tax Professional for additional information. Works best for significantly larger projects.
Funding
To facilitate a smooth application process for Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB), the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, by and through the Michigan City Economic Development Commission, would like to assist you concerning your application. As no two projects are exactly alike, no two application procedures will be identical. A more detailed description of the process can be obtained through our office.
If you or your attorney have questions concerning applying for an IRB, please contact the Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, Indiana at (219) 873-1211.
Urban Enterprise Association Grants
Contact: Michigan City UEA | 219-873-6860
Elevate Ventures is one of the largest venture development firms in Indiana, with access to quality deal-flow in Indiana. As a company that sees upwards of 34 deals a month, Elevate Ventures can provide assistance to as many entrepreneurs as possible to get the capital they need. Other assistance includes collaboration on due diligence, shared expertise, corroborated investment decisions, ability to invest in larger deals, and improved diversification and organized public presence.
For additional information: www.elevateventures.com
The RDC makes loans under the SBA 504 loan program to assist small business. The RDC processes, approves, closes and services all loans. Funding is arranged by the RDC through the Central Servicing Agent, who issues a bond. In all ways, the RDC is the direct lender for the SBA 504 loan program.
EDCMC partners with the regional RDC and local banks in assisting businesses.
A4CB provides the capital, coaching, and connections entrepreneurs need to grow great business that create jobs and wealth in their communities.
A4CB offers term loans and lines of credit between $500-$100,000 to early, emerging, and established businesses in Illinois & Indiana.
A4CB also provides 1:1 coaching to anyone who wants to grow their business.
$450 initial application fee, $550 due at closing.
Construction or renovation not eligible.
Recover NWI Revolving loan Fund
Contact: NIRPC (Northwestern Regional Planning Commission) | 219-763-6060
Community Investment Fund of Indiana (CIFI)
Contact: Hammond Office | 219-803-6553
7(a) Loan – Can be used for short & long-term working capital, refinancing current business debt, repurchasing and installing machinery & equipment, furniture, fixtures, and supplies.
It can also be used for acquiring, refinancing, or improving real estate, buildings, or a business.
Microloans – Can be used for a variety of purposes that help small businesses expand. Use when less than $50,000 is needed to rebuild, re-open, repair, enhance, or improve your small business.
Mentoring
Helps Indiana businesses identify and win military and government contracts.
Contact: IN APEX Accelerator Team
Valparaiso University Collaboratory
Contact: collaboratory@valpo.edu | 219-464-6271
Valparaiso University Innovation Hub
Contact: IHUB Contact Form
The Northwest ISBDC offers no-cost business counseling and resources to business owners and entrepreneurs looking to launch a business. The NWI SBDC team provides services throughout the 7-county NWI area and also offers small business workshops and access to numerous market research data bases.
NWI Small Business Development Center
Contact: northwest@isbdc.org | 219-644-3513
Provide entrepreneurs and small business owners with free, easy access to vital assistance, resources, and information they need including guides for Starting Up, Growing, and Funding.
Contact: Dr. Raj Selladurai, SBI Director | 219-980-6867
Offers assistance in Business Planning, Business Launching, Business Management, and Business Expansion. Free business counseling and SBA business loans also offered.
Co-working & Office Space
Contact: Lori Tubbs | 312-446-7059
Contact: Andy Neal | 219-879-0327
Maps/Ordinances
Economic Development Projects Map (2012-2020)
Michigan City TIF Maps
Michigan City Transit Development District
Zoning Maps
Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone Map
Municipal Boundaries & Schools
North End Facade Program
Michigan City Riverfront Liquor License District
Beacon Schneider
Beacon is an interactive public access tool that allows users to view county & city information, public records, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) via an online portal.
Studies, Reports, & Plans
Michigan City Strategic Action Plan 2040
Indiana Cost Comparison Midwest
Lohan Anderson Trail Creek Plan
Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District
Michigan City LaPorte MSA Economic Report
Marquette Mall Marketing Book
Lake Michigan Gateway Implementation
2025 Indiana County Average Wages
EDCMC Annual Reports
Discover Opportunity With EDCMC
At EDCMC, we’re committed to driving your business forward. Collaborate with us to access tailored solutions, tap into local resources, and unlock new opportunities. Together, let’s shape a prosperous future for your enterprise in Michigan City.