Economic Development Corporation Michigan City looking to develop an innovation center

Economic Development Corp. Michigan City and the City of Michigan City aim to launch the innovation center and start-up lab. Entrepreneurs, small business founders, creatives, tech startups and remote workers could use the facility.

The innovation center likely would include co-working spaces, offices, conference rooms, training facilities, event spaces, makerspaces, childcare and research and development facilities. It could offer training programs focused on business development, digital skills, professional development and technology, as well as workshops and mentorships.

Nearly 19,000 new business launched in Indiana in 2023, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Hoosier State is home to 537,058 small businesses that employ 1.2 million workers, accounting for more than 99% of the businesses and 44% of the jobs.

Economic Development Corporation Michigan City, which works to lure new businesses, jobs and investment to Michigan City and help existing companies grow, first studied the possibility of an innovation center in 2021 to encourage more entrepreneurship in the lakefront city in LaPorte County. It's looking to foster economic growth and regional collaboration by providing a shared workspace that could incubate fledging business enterprises. The hope is to bring people, ideas and resources together to help create new businesses and grow existing ones.

Economic Development Corporation Michigan City is looking to develop the innovation center over the next two years.

The economic development agency is now conducting an online survey entitled "Help Shape Michigan City’s Future Innovation Center" to get public feedback on the concept. It wants the public to weigh in on the services it would offer, what amenities it should have and what impact it would have on the community.

Responses will be used to update the feasibility study by gauging interest and potential uses, as well as to shape the design.