Resources
THINKING OF STARTING A BUSINESS? NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!
The Bessemer Downtown Development Authority will assist people looking to open a commercial business in Bessemer!
Redevelopment Ready Certified
The City of Bessemer is dedicated to working with developers in an efficient manner. The City underwent the Redevelopment Ready Community Initiative and is the second city in the Upper Peninsula to receive the designation and is the smallest community in Michigan to do so. Just because we are small doesn't mean we aren't open for redevelopment! Check out our Certification here.
Business Retention
The City of Bessemer understands the importance of assisting and retaining existing businesses. The City is dedicated to working with existing businesses to better meet their needs. The City has teamed up with Michigan Small Business Development Center (http://sbdcmichigan.org/) to work with existing and startup businesses for classes and one on one assistance. Other online training that is available is Succeed Online with Practical Lessons - Google for Small Business.
The City has an entire section of the Master Plan dedicated to existing businesses. This encompasses dedication to keep in communication with existing businesses to adapt to their needs as well as working to attract and retain an educated workforce.
Façade Assistance
The Downtown Development Authority has pledged to assist up to two businesses a year with façade improvements. This is a 1:1 match up to $3,500/ building. All buildings must be in the DDA district (most of the Commercial districts in Bessemer). Contact the City Manager or click here for more details.
Apartment Development
The City of Bessemer received grant funding from WUPPDR to put together an apartment development package. The package shows a strong need for more apartments in the area. Check it out here.
Traffic Counts
The City of Bessemer's downtown has quite a bit of traffic, motorized and non-motorized. We sat our counter down on two summer days for an hour at a time and counted the traffic. Below are our results.
Saturday, June 9th
(One hour at a location)
Sophie St and Seller St:
Drivers: 43
Walkers: 11
Bikers: 2
Sophie St and E Long Year St:
Drivers: 59
Walkers: 11
Bikers: 5
Sophie St and E Mary St:
Drivers: 61
Walkers: 10
Bikers: 5
ATVs: 3
Saturday, Thursday, July 12th
(One hour at a location)
Sophie St and Seller St:
Drivers: 61
Walkers: 13
Bikers: 11
Sophie St and E Long Year St:
Drivers: 75
Walkers: 23
Bikers: 11
Sophie St and E Mary St:
Drivers: 81
Walkers: 16
Bikers: 17
ATVs: 2
Find Business Assistance
Industrial Lots
The City of Bessemer recently received funds from Michigan Economic Development Corp to conduct environmental reviews on several of our parcels. Please see the below documents for more information. The City is also in the process of surveying other sites in the industrial park. If you don't see a site that meets your need, please reach out to the City Manager at 906-663-4311 to find a parcel that better suites your needs.