Business Growth & Expansion

The Ann Arbor Region is a vibrant place for businesses to grow and Ann Arbor SPARK offers a variety of programs, resources, and educational opportunities to assist you.

If you have questions about expanding your business or relocation opportunities, click here to fill out a short form and have a representative contact you.

Programs & Resources

Tax-Exempt Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (IDRBs) are issued to finance the acquisition, construction, installation or rehabilitation of manufacturing facilities and offer the principal benefit of low rate of interest. Because the interest on the bonds is not taxable, the interest rate will always be lower than the rate on obligations of a comparable credit which is not tax-exempt.

The right space and equipment is critical to business growth. We know the region thoroughly, and can help you with site searches of industrial and office buildings, vacant land, incubator space.

Talent
The exceptional quality of the workforce is a hallmark of the region. Business training and recruitment in Ann Arbor is made much easier due to the region’s colleges and universities. The schools educate, train, and graduate thousands annually resulting in a year-round pool of young, bright, capable people looking for job opportunities.

Educational Forums
The optimism and excitement of the Ann Arbor business community courses through the numerous industry groups and organizations like a charge of electricity. They offer outstanding networking and educational opportunities. Ann Arbor SPARK works with all the industry groups and one of our professionals can help you get plugged into the one that’s right for you.

Incentives
The state of Michigan offers tax abatements to qualified businesses and there are federal programs as well. We can help you assess them and determine the right fit for your company.

Export Assistance
The Ann Arbor region is home to many international companies, large and small. Information on export assistance and international trade is available from several programs and an Ann Arbor SPARK professional can help.

Financing
Knowing the financial options in the region is critical to any business, and we can help. The Ann Arbor region is rich with venture capitalists and Angel investors looking to make equity investments in early stage and emerging growth companies.

"The lower cost of doing business has contributed to our success. One month of rent in Palo Alto is equivalent to one year’s rent in Ann Arbor."

Mark Smith
Vice President
Research and Technology
AVAcore