Business Services

The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments administers a variety of programs that assist local businesses. Our goal is to meet the needs of local businesses, whether through one of our programs or through connections to partners, including Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Organizations, Community Colleges and Universities, and state programs such as the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Northwest Michigan WORKS! Service Centers represent the front line of local workforce development and business service delivery. Here, employers will find many free resources at their disposal, as well as friendly staff and a helpful atmosphere. The five Service Centers are centrally located throughout the 10-county region: Cadillac, Kalkaska, Manistee, Petoskey, and Traverse City. Hours vary.

Business Liaisons

A Northwest Michigan WORKS! Business Liaison is an employer's first point of contact with the Michigan WORKS! system. Business Liaisons provide the following services, and more:

• Professional community involvement and networking
• Employee recruitment, screening and referral
• Workshops on topics of interest to businesses
• Workforce training and skills upgrading
• Human resource consulting with employers
• Outplacement services to dislocated workers
• On-the-job training programs
• Connection to services provided by Small Business & Technology Development Center and Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Connect with a Northwest Michigan Works! Business Liaison.

Resource Rooms

Resource Rooms are located in every Northwest Michigan Works! Service Center.

Employers can:

• Use rooms in the service center for interviews
• Meet with a Business Liaison
• Use the Business Resource Room (Petoskey and Traverse City Service Centers)
  • Internet-connected computers
  • Business Plan templates and software
  • Links to business development resources
• Work with staff to post job orders on the Michigan Talent Bank and search résumés