Business Development

Available Grants

Facade Improvements

The City of Houghton will provide four free hours of design assistance for downtown property owners who want to renovate their storefront. The City has historic preservation design guidelines for many downtown buildings. There may be facade grants available from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to assist with historic facade renovations. Every year the DDA offers Mini Facade Grants of up to $5,000 for smaller projects like painting, fixing broken windows, or signage. The building owner is required to match the grant. If you have questions about façade improvements, please e-mail citymanager@cityofhoughton.com.

Business Association

The Business Association meets the first Wednesday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at the City Center. The Association plans special events and promotions for downtown. If you would like further information or would like to be added to their mailing list e-mail   downtown@cityofhoughton.com.

MTEC SmartZone

Planning is critical to building and growing a business, and Downtown Houghton is dedicated to your success. With the MTEC SmartZone business incubator on the waterfront, and centers designed to assist start-up businesses, a multitude of services is in close proximity to help your business thrive.

Event Application

If you are planning on holding a public event (parade, fundraiser, etc) in Houghton and would like permission to use a city park or street, the Event Application (see below) needs to be completed and returned prior to the event so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

Event Application (PDF)

aerial view of the city of Houghton and lift bridge