Southwest Michigan First

Southwest Michigan First is an economic development organization focused on job creation and business investment in the Southwest Michigan region. While not a life sciences company itself, it plays a critical role in the industry by supporting a major cluster of biotechnology, medical device, and pharmaceutical companies in the Kalamazoo area. The organization provides site selection services, incentive assistance, and workforce development programs to help healthcare and life science firms expand or relocate to the region. It also manages the Southwest Michigan First Venture Center, which provides early-stage funding and mentorship to high-growth startups, including those in the medical and technology sectors.