$2.3m Campaign Supports Entrepreneurship, Workforce, and Primary Employers Across Allegan and Ottawa Counties
HOLLAND, MI — Lakeshore Advantage has successfully closed a long-standing funding gap through a targeted $2.3 million campaign designed to align its operations with the scale and complexity of the region’s economy. With more than $2.2 million already committed, the campaign ensures Lakeshore Advantage can continue delivering high-impact economic development services to businesses throughout Allegan and Ottawa Counties.
The Powering our Future campaign, conducted in partnership with Convergent Nonprofit Solutions, addressed a straightforward yet strategic truth. Despite consistently outperforming peer organizations in measurable results, Lakeshore Advantage was operating with fewer resources. Benchmarking data and ROI analysis revealed a clear need to strengthen the organization’s funding to match its growing responsibilities.
“Our region is growing, and expectations on economic development organizations have grown with it,” said Jennifer Owens, President of Lakeshore Advantage. “We’ve been punching above our weight for years. This campaign allows us to scale our operations to meet future challenges — especially in talent development, industry innovation, and support for primary employers.”
Campaign funds are being deployed across three strategic areas:
- Expanding entrepreneurship support through Surge, a startup support program and business incubator at the Lakeshore Advantage Next Center headquarters
- Strengthening workforce development programs
- Deepening services for the region’s core employers
The Next Center, a $10.1 million project supported by $8 million in state and ARPA funds, as well as $2 million in private investment, now houses both Lakeshore Advantage and the region’s business incubation efforts. The physical space provides startups with the infrastructure needed to scale and thrive.
“Convergent’s expertise helped us make a clear and compelling case for why increased investment was not only justified, but overdue,” said Beth Blanton, Vice President of Engagement at Lakeshore Advantage. “They understood our value, worked with us to build a credible plan, and brought discipline to our campaign efforts.”
Campaign momentum was driven by strong internal leadership, a transparent approach to fundraising, and proven results in business attraction, retention, and expansion. Despite budget constraints and early feasibility data that required adjustment, the campaign gained traction quickly. The effort concluded in less than nine months.
With a $2 million operating budget in 2023 and a 20-year record of success, Lakeshore Advantage is now positioned to accelerate its work. New and expanded funding will support the agency’s mission to help businesses start, stay, and grow in one of Michigan’s most vital economic corridors.
For more information about how Convergent can help with your next comprehensive campaign or to explore partnership opportunities, contact:
Brian Abernathy
General Manager
Convergent Nonprofit Solutions
info@convergentnonprofit.com
800-866-0280
https://www.convergentnonprofit.com/
