Considering transitioning your business?

In Michigan’s rural communities, aging business owners are the backbone of local economies, but many are nearing retirement without clear succession plans. Our project will survey business owners across 14 rural counties to uncover real data on exit planning readiness, barriers, and opportunities for transition. We’ll pinpoint where resources are needed most to keep these businesses, and the jobs they support keeping businesses rooted in their communities.

Did you know?

From 2010 to 2020, ten of the fourteen counties we serve saw population declines, putting local businesses at risk. This project helps rural business owners stay, grow, and pass on their businesses—keeping communities vibrant and thriving.

Employee ownership can change that. Keeping businesses running long after the owner exits.

Interested in learning more for your business?

Thanks to the Rural Readiness Grant- MICEO is assessing the following counties to help with succession planning. If your business resides in the following counties- take our intake form to get started:

North East Lower Peninsula Counties include: Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, Roscommon, Ogemaw and Iosco; Northwest Lower Peninsula including Emmit, Antrim, and Charlevoix.

Apply here.

Next steps

Are you a business owner thinking about what’s next for your company? Hear Mackinac Environmental Tech's story about why they chose employee ownership to help keep their business local, after their departure.

We want to hear from you! Our team is surveying business owners across 14 rural Michigan counties to learn what support you need for your next chapter—whether that’s retirement, selling, or passing the business on. Your voice will help shape new resources to keep local businesses strong and thriving for years to come. Take a few minutes to share your story and help build a stronger future for rural Michigan.