Economic & Workforce Development

Economic development is about more than attracting new businesses. It’s about helping existing employers grow, supporting entrepreneurs, developing talent, strengthening our communities, and creating the conditions for long-term economic prosperity.

The Howell Area Chamber of Commerce plays an active role in advancing economic and workforce development throughout Livingston County. Through our partnership with the Economic Development Council of Livingston County (EDCLC), we connect businesses, municipalities, education partners and community leaders with the resources and relationships needed to grow and invest in our region.

One Connected Economic Development Network

Businesses don’t always know which organization or program they need—and they shouldn’t have to.

The Chamber and EDCLC work together with a network of local, regional and state partners to help businesses navigate available resources and make the right connections.

Whether you’re an existing Livingston County employer planning an expansion, an entrepreneur launching a company, a business considering an investment in the county, or a community working on an economic development opportunity, we can help you find the right starting point.

Start Here

Are you looking to grow, invest or solve a business challenge in Livingston County?

Connect with the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and EDCLC economic development team. We’ll learn more about your needs and connect you with the appropriate resources, partners and opportunities.

Contact our Economic Development Team
123 E. Washington Street
Howell, MI 48843
517-546-3920

Our economic development efforts include:

• Business Retention & Expansion — Building relationships with existing employers, understanding their needs and connecting them with resources that support continued investment and growth.

• Business & Investment Attraction — Supporting businesses considering Livingston County and connecting projects with communities, sites, resources and regional and state partners.

• Workforce & Talent — Connecting employers, educators and workforce partners to address talent needs, career awareness, training and workforce development.

• Entrepreneurship & Small Business — Supporting entrepreneurs and growing businesses through the Livingston Business HUB, coaching, technical assistance, programming and connections to capital and other resources.

• Community & Economic Development — Working with municipalities and partners on issues that affect Livingston County’s economic competitiveness, including housing, infrastructure, transportation and community development.

• Regional & State Partnerships — Connecting Livingston County businesses and communities with organizations including Ann Arbor SPARK, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Works! Southeast and other regional and state resources.

Ann Arbor SPARK, an economic engine within southeast Michigan, is cultivating a network of business and manufacturing excellence. Whether you are launching your first startup, a seasoned entrepreneur, or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, our services can help you succeed.

As a brand-driven destination leader, the Livingston County Convention & Visitors Bureau focuses on productive community leisure/outdoor recreation and meetings/sports event marketing and development, and influential stakeholder advocacy efforts.

The Economic Development Council of Livingston County is committed to strengthening the economic base for Livingston County through the retention, expansion, attraction, and development of jobs and capital investment. The EDCLC works closely with the private and public entities to facilitate community and economic development activities, strategic initiatives, and regional, national and international collaborations to the benefit of all Livingston County communities.

The Small Business Association of Michigan is the only statewide and state-based association that focuses solely on serving the needs of Michigan’s small business community. We have been successfully serving small businesses like yours in all 83 counties of Michigan since 1969. We’re located in Lansing, just one block from the Capitol.

SCORE remains dedicated to our mission of fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. These past few months have taken a toll on many of the small businesses and communities we serve. SCORE’s network of 10,000 volunteer men and women stands ready to support the small business owners we serve. Entrepreneurs are, by nature, courageous and resilient.

Livingston County SCORE Mentor: Rick Scofield, scofield@ameritech.net

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with more than 100 economic development partners, markets Michigan as the place to do business, assists businesses in their growth strategies and fosters the growth of vibrant communities across the state.

Howell Main Street Inc. is a unique blend of business and property owners, community leaders, entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors, all personally engaged in working together to support downtown Howell. Our grass roots, volunteer-led non-profit organization blends innovation and creative approaches to positively position and grow our downtown through quality events, projects, preservation, and programming. We are a community celebrating our past while looking toward our future, building passion and pride for downtown Howell.

Michigan Works! Southeast is your official source for Michigan’s designated workforce development services. From individual apprenticeships for small businesses to group hiring events, our Business Service Professionals can help match you with local, state, and federal programs to meet your organizational training and employment goals.