Tools available to assist businesses

Posted by Lake Superior Community Partnership on November 12, 2015

 

Here at the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP), we use many research and forecasting tools when working with clients. We feel it is important to have a variety of facts available to assist businesses. Whether they are just getting started, tweaking their business plan along the way or considering a new location, we have the tools and expertise to assist.
The resources we use the most are Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc (EMSI), ZoomProspector and SizeUp. All are used differently and for different types of projects.

EMSI

This is a forecasting tool. The biggest project we use this for is our Marquette County Data Booklet. This project is completed each summer once all of the data has been compiled from the previous year. The Data Booklet offers an insight into the economic stability in our community. We use prior data to formulate future projections and help determine economic needs. We also use this information to determine gaps in community, the value a business brings to the community, the impact of industry changes and changes in an employer/industry. Despite the decline in population across the U.P. and the State of Michigan, Marquette County has seen an increase in population. To view the 2014 Data Booklet, visit our website (www.marquette.org), click Site Selection and 2014 Data Booklet. You’ll be able to download a PDF version.

ZoomProspector

ZoomProspector is a site location database available for anyone to use. You can locate Zoom from the home page of our website. This program provides comprehensive information to help new, expanding and relocating businesses find the perfect location. You are able to search for buildings, sites and businesses that are for lease or sale. The program filters by square feet, price, zip code and any keywords that you’d like. You can choose assets you are interested in such as redevelopment ready communities, enterprise zones, foreign trade zones, rail access, build to suit and more.

SizeUp
This software is designed to show businesses how they can grow and stay competitive. All information is customized to our geographic region and updated quarterly or semi-annually. Business owners can find out how their performance compares to competitors in their industry based on benchmarking of their revenue, employees, and years in business, and other measures. An entrepreneur that has yet to start a business can use this tool to assess whether their projections are realistic given the state of the competitive market. It is only available for LSCP partners to use on their own. Partners are able to log into the software from our website. Non-LSCP partners can contact our office and work with a business development representative to use the tool.

As you can see, each of these tools can be used differently. If you believe your business or potential business could benefit from this information, contact the LSCP at 906.226.6591 or access these tools/information at www.marquette.org. We are here to help!

Amy Clickner, CEO, writes a bi-weekly column for the Mining Journal.