About KEDA

Portage Lake Lift Bridge - Houghton and Hancock MI

Who We Are

Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is the private, 501c3 non-profit local economic development organization serving the Houghton, and Keweenaw County Region. KEDA is staffed by an Executive Director, Business Retention Specialist, and Administrative Assistant. KEDA is supported by over 250 businesses, local governments, organizations, and individuals.

Our Vision

We are a community driven by our leaders to be the best at utilizing our technology, education and business assets to build a diverse economic base that leverages and develops the unique strengths of each county and its people.

Our Mission

Our mission is to engage community leadership to start, retain, grow and attract companies that will increase the wealth of the region through a holistic and collaborative strategy that builds on the assets and opportunities present in the region.

Our Primary Focus

Start, retain and expand regional companies through regular outreach and delivery of support services

Assist companies that need access to alternative financing including support through the KEDA and Houghton County revolving loan funds

Assist communities to plan and implement improvements that will support their growth and development and retain and attract talent

Provide information on issues and activities relevant to our region's development as well as networking opportunities through monthly member meetings

Assist companies looking to locate to the region including custom proposals, available site and demographic information, incentive packaging and facilitation of access to all available resources

Identify opportunity to improve infrastructure to support business and coordinate packaging of projects for funding

Collaborate with regional, state, and national partners and service providers to ensure effective support for regional businesses and communities

Lead and support to initiatives designed to advance the region's economy

Recent Accomplishments

Retention visits to 440+ area companies with follow up as well as referrals to SBDC, Michigan Works!, MEDC, PTAC, MDARD and others.

Supported business expansion projects totaling $57 million in private investments and $12 million in federal, state, and local assistance, creating 100+ new jobs and retaining 85 over the next three years.

Partnered with a local childcare team to develop a program to offer start-up assistance to home-based childcare businesses over the next three years.

Working with the Houghton County Land Bank Authority, KEDA secured a $500k State Land Bank grant for the demolition and stabilization of five buildings in Calumet, Laurium, Hubbell, and Chassell.

In partnership with Hancock, KEDA secured a MEDC Strategic Site Readiness grant to cover $969k in additional costs for the new Hancock Business & Technology Park.

Raised another $6,000 towards the Copper Shores-KEDA CTE Scholarship Fund to support one graduating senior from each local high school to pursue a certificate, or one/two year training program.