Business and Economic Development Assistance

Cornerstone Alliance
Cornerstone Alliance leads business retention and expansion efforts throughout all of Berrien County, helping local businesses stay and grow here; and support issues that enhance our area's economic competitiveness. Cornerstone Alliance leads initiatives to attract new investment and new companies to Michigan's Great Southwest and works to grow entrepreneurial businesses; offering a full range of start-up and early growth services. Founded in 1987, Cornerstone Alliance is an economic development organization supported by investments from the private and public sectors, serving Berrien County and its municipalities. The dedicated business development team experts are ready to work with you on your next project.

Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber 
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is a member-driven organization encouraging the growth of business through networking, advocacy, visibility and benefits for all of our members.

Michigan Small Business Development Center
The Michigan Small Business Development Center provides counseling, training, research and advocacy for start-ups, existing small businesses and innovative tech companies. Counselors provide support and a planning tool to help evaluate the direction of your technology, chart strategies and more. Check out their Guide to Starting and Operating a Small Business.

City of St. Joseph Downtown Development Authority

St. Joseph Today
St. Joseph Today is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization founded in 1979. With a mission to enhance the image and recognition of St. Joseph, Michigan, promote business and tourism development and to augment the effort of local governmental units. We are dedicated to serving visitors, residents and local businesses.

Contact St. Joseph Today if you are interested in the Farmers Market or participating in any of the other programs put on by the agency.
Southwest Michigan Tourist Council

Berrien County Community Development Department

Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)
The MEDC organization works to be “helpful in the marketing of Michigan and providing the tools and environment to drive job creation and investment. The MEDC helps create more and better jobs by accelerating business investments, increasing community vitality, matching talent supply with demand, and building the state’s exceptional Pure Michigan Brand.” Their website will help provide information for all aspects of your business.

Rental Property

All rental property registrations and inspections are managed by the Inspections Department. If you have any questions regarding Zoning or Planning in the City of St. Joseph please visit the Zoning Department's webpage. If you have still any further questions regarding rental property, please contact the Inspections Department using the contact information located on their webpage and we will be happy to address your concerns.

Start a Business

The City of St. Joseph encourages and supports the local business community. If you would like to start a business in St. Joseph, you may find our Chamber of Commerce page useful.

Licenses & Permits

The issuance of Licenses and Permits is typically a function of the Clerk's Office, the Inspections Department, the Planning and Zoning Department or the Public Safety Department. For complete information regarding specific licenses or permits, please click on the Department links. Common request are linked below.

St Joseph Downtown Vision

Explore St. Joseph, MI