Economic Development

The City of Battle Creek is committed to fostering economic vitality through business recruitment and retention to attract new investment to the community. The city, working with numerous partners such as Battle Creek Unlimited (see more below), works hard to help entrepreneurs and startup companies plan, implement and sustain their new businesses, and assist existing business owners with growth and development.

The city’s Small Business Development team, under the direction of the city manager’s office, provides services to small businesses and commercial and retail development. The team, working collaboratively with other entrepreneurial support organizations, assists with business development and guides businesses through the regulatory process, providing help with planning and zoning, code and inspections, access to incentives and more.

Check out our small business resource guide at https://open4bizbc.com 

Downtown Battle CreekFestival Market Square in downtown Battle Creek

Battle Creek features an active and lively downtown, including unique residential, commercial and retail spaces; the downtown farmers market; green space; public Wi-Fi; a 17-mile Linear Park path; public art; libraries; symphony performances; quaint restaurants; and coffee shops.

Activities abound, such as the annual Cereal Festival, Spring and Fall into the Arts art walks, International Festival of Lights and free outdoor concerts like the Post Band, Festival Market Music and Vibe@5 concert series, to name a few.

Battle Creek Unlimited

Since as early as 1972, the city has had an ongoing partnership and contractual relationship with Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) and BC/CAL/KAL Inland Port Development Corp. for marketing and management services, including all commercial and industrial economic marketing, promotion and development in the city’s Fort Custer Industrial Park and Battle Creek Executive Airport.

Fort Custer Industrial Park is one of the premier international business parks in the country and is home to more than 80 companies, including 25 internationally based firms, employing more than 13,000 people.

Adjacent to the industrial park, Battle Creek Executive Airport has a 10,004-foot runway that can accommodate any variety of aircraft built today. Duncan Aviation, WACO Aircraft Corp., and the Western Michigan University College of Aviation are located at the airport.

BCU is committed to building a strong community by driving strategic investment and job creation. For more on Battle Creek Unlimited, visit the BCU website.

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