Build Ready Sites

The MEDC Build Ready Sites Program assists communities and local economic development partners increase the inventory of project-ready sites for industrial development across the state. Through this program, MEDC has been able to continually highlight the strengths of Michigan’s cities and sites for doing business.

Build Ready Sites Program Overview

Guided by input from the Collaborative Development Council (CDC), utility partners, and other local economic development partners throughout Michigan, this program assists with the development or enhancement of industrial sites to make them more competitive during the site selection process. A key piece of this program was the development of the Build Ready Site Criteria, which provides a critical roadmap to helping Michigan sites achieve “shovel ready” status. These standards include appropriate planning and zoning, boundary survey, proper soil and environmental conditions, and more.

Review the full list of Michigan Build Ready Sites Criteria

Build Ready Sites Grant

Part of the Build Ready Sites Program is MEDC’s Build Ready Site Grant initiative, which further assists economic and community development partners throughout the site readiness process. The program awards up to $75,000 per site (with a local match required) to submitted applicants that demonstrated a plan and pathway to a vetted site. Grant funds under the program can be used for activities including site development studies, site material development, site implementation or land assembly activities, and more. The application window for the program is currently closed but expected to open again in 2021. Please stay tuned for more information.

Build Ready Site Grant Program Frequently Asked Questions

Interested in Learning More?

Site selectors and site consultants, please contact Susan Proctor directly at 517-719-0393 or through email at: proctors1@michigan.org.

Local partners and communities, please contact Nicole Whitehead directly at 517-719-3157 or through email at: whiteheadn@michigan.org.

Michigan Build Ready Sites Training Webinar

Interested in learning more? Nicole Whitehead, Business Operations Manager at the MEDC, discusses the Michigan Built Ready Sites Program and how the MEDC can assist you through the process.

“The city of Ecorse is very pleased to be a recipient of a 2020 MEDC Site Readiness Grant. This funding will help us evaluate and address environmental contamination that has long been an impediment to productive redevelopment of the city-owned Mill Street site, a former steel mill. MEDC has been a great partner in this process and we are very optimistic that the end result will be new, high-quality industrial development that creates significant tax base and jobs for the city and region.”

- Richard Marsh, Ecorse City Administrator, past recipient of a MEDC site readiness grant

Michigan's Featured Site Videos

A number of Michigan's build ready sites are highlighted with individual videos to help prospective clients visualize the sizable vacant properties available for development. This is one way MEDC can assist you with the promotion of your build ready site.

Watch Videos

"Baraga County is a fantastic place to do business. Having the right site in place to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, help industry grow, and provide employment are essential to L'Anse, Baraga County, and the Upper Peninsula's future. With these (site readiness grant) funds, the village of L'Anse, in partnership with the Baraga County EDC and Lake Superior Community Partnership, will be able to continue to help secure our economic future.”

- Bob LaFave, L’Anse Village Manager, past recipient of a MEDC site readiness grant