Economic Development

The Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber leads the way in turning regional assets into cutting-edge opportunities for business and community development.

With a tradition of involvement, an unmatched wealth of regional knowledge, and a library of business resources and partnerships, the A2Y Chamber serves as your Business Concierge. We drive economic development by fully connecting you with our 1,200 plus members and host of vital organizations. Among many others these include: 

Small Business Development Center;
Washtenaw County Workforce Development team
the Procurement Technical Assistance Center
Ann Arbor SPARK
University of Michigan’s Business Engagement Center
Eastern Michigan University; and 
Washtenaw Community College 

Combining with these organizational assets, our anchor communities bring creative energies, access to talent, and a tradition of innovation and manufacturing. All of this provides a rich environment for entrepreneurship. 

Among the region’s most prized assets are two major universities, the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University. They serve as incubators for the intellectual capital needed to foster global success. U of M and EMU are based in communities with amenities and opportunities that attract and retain talented individuals, fuel local development and reflects distinctive quality lifestyles, all of which attract companies with rich and diverse business platforms.

Ann Arbor is both a cultural hub and home to the University of Michigan. One of the world’s leading universities, the University of Michigan draws the brightest minds to the community and millions in research dollars. The Chamber recognizes the connection between the education levels of the area workforce and the economic growth and success the community can expect to attain. 

Ypsilanti is a walk-able community that runs along both sides of the Huron Rive in eastern Washtenaw County and is home to Eastern Michigan University, Depot town and Riverside Park. With its advanced technology, quality public services and grassroots support of the arts, the city blossoms with new businesses and offers the perfect synergetic complement to Ann Arbor.

Click here for to go to the A2Y Government & Business Resource page.

 


vba logo2The Virtual Business Advisor (VBA) was created through a partnership among the A2Y Chamber, Ann Arbor SPARK, Washtenaw County’s Community and Economic Development Department, and QLBS. The VBA aims to assist entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses as they work towards their next stage of growth. Through a series of assessments, the VBA identifies personal and company strengths and weaknesses, benchmarks against other companies in the region, and connects users to suggestions and available resources to address their unique needs.

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