The Business Development Team, (BDT) is a group of staff from the City and some outside organizations covering various areas of expertise in the development process. By getting you and the right staff together in the room at the same time, we can talk through your project, identify issues and challenges, and answer your questions so your project can move forward as smoothly as possible.
While BDT meetings may be utilized throughout the project, at the planning stage they can be especially helpful – the earlier the better. For a first-time business owner or developer, purchasing property, developing sites, or starting a business that is brand new (or new to Sturgis) and the regulations, rules, and processes of government may be totally unknown, complex, or confusing. Meeting with the BDT will provide an opportunity to talk through your project and get feedback and more ideas on how to make it work.
For seasoned developers, projects may have special challenges or require difficult decisions about the layout of buildings, parking, utilities, and public infrastructure on the site. Those with experience working with local government may not have difficulty complying with zoning and building regulations, however the reality is that every city, state, township or county may have different requirements and even the most experienced of developers may have questions. Each project is different and the BDT can be a way to identify, discuss, and address issues and challenges before they become problems. Even seasoned developers can benefit from a BDT meeting.
The most important part of a BDT meeting at the planning stage is that it is informal. We understand that you are here to ask questions and for us to learn about your project. These questions are for everyone to better understand the project and to help you move it forward.
The BDT meeting (or meetings) will give you an opportunity to discuss all aspects of your business. Team members will likely include the Community Development Director, Economic Development representatives, and the Chamber of Commerce Director. Other team members (such as from City utilities, Engineering, and the Fire Department) may be added to the meeting depending on your needs.
Please contact the Community Development Department at 269-659-7230 or comdev@sturgismi.gov to set up a meeting.