Target Alpena Development Corporation

Target Alpena Development Corporation is Alpena, Michigan's one stop for regional economic development. Combining a Revolving Loan Program with friendly, educated staff who understand the difficulties and opportunities facing the region, Target is dedicated to bringing a higher quality of life to all the residents of Northeast Lower Michigan.

Target Alpena operates as a clearinghouse for regional difficulties, serves to market Alpena to the rest of the world as a place for growing business, and provides loan capital for small business startup in the region. A priority focus for Target is the rise of entrepreneurship in Alpena through economic gardening and business training programs.

Current Projects

The Executive Pulse software is currently being implemented for Alpena County. What is needed from the community are business owners to fill out a short survey regarding the issues affecting their business. This information will be compiled into the software, and allow Target to track local economic data. Once completed, please return the survey to the Target office.

Target is in the process of developing a Marketing and Recruitment Plan for Alpena County. This would help to attract business to the area by informing them of what Alpena has to offer. This would include distributing the newly developed Economic Profile for Alpena County, which is complete, and is available at the Target Office.

Target has just unveiled its Strategic Plan to the public a little over a year ago. This document can be reviewed by clicking on the link. For an update on the strategic plan contact the Target office.

The Future Leaders Committee, a subcommittee of Target has been hard at work developing its Customer Service Quality Initiative. This project rewards excellent customer service in Alpena. It has been turned over to the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce.

Also, the Future Leaders Committee is developing a youth based forum. The Future Leaders Committee has been working with Alpena High School and Alpena Community College on this project. Recently, they met with 300 students from all four grades at Alpena High School. Responses from these meetings are being compiled and will be posted shortly.

Micro Revolving Loan program gets a boost. Target was recently announced as the receipant of a $99,000 grant from the USDA to recapitalize our revolving loan program. The program assists business startups and business expansion.

Recently the U of M completed the incubator feasibility study. Please join us on October 21st on the campus of Alpena Community College to listen to a presentation on the study. A Mixed Business Use Incubator will provide a place for local entrepreneurs to start their business in an environment that fosters growth.

Target has received a grant to sponsor a Windmill Feasibility Study for Alpena. This would determine how well Alpena could produce alternative energy.

Target has submitted a $99 million dollar grant to develop a public Deep Water port within the City of Alpena.

Also with the Alpena Regional Fiber Consortium, Target submitted a $998,000 grant to expand broadband access to the non-profit sector.