The City of South Haven offers an array of development programs and incentives to foster business growth and economic development. The City's professional economic development staff utilizes the most up-to-date development programs available through local,state, and federal agencies to ensure that your development in South Haven is as cost-effective as possible. The following incentives are an integral part of the City's economic development program.

Under Michigan Public Act 198, the City of South Haven offers industrial facilities tax abatements for up to 12 years for new industrial or research development and expansion projects. The abatement program also allows the City to freeze the assessments of rehabilitated plants for up to 12 years.

The City's Economic Development Liason assists businesses in establishing a cooperative relationship with the City to ensure that development and growth occurs smoothly. Prospective developers and existing businesses in South Haven enjoy "one stop service" for development questions, permits, abatements, appraisals, utilities, grant writing, training program assistance, export assistance, and financing, before and after operations begin.

Through the creation of the South Haven LDFA, the City has illustrated a strong and ongoing commitment for continued development and growth in the South Haven Industrial Park. The LDFA development plan is financed through tax increment financing, which provides a vehicle for returning tax dollars to the industrial development area to fund infrastructure enhancement projects and industrial park expansion.

South Haven's downtown business district lies adjacent to the City's Riverfront Park and Marina, which was built in 1991 under the South Haven DDA development plan. South Haven businesses enjoy the waterfront area's allure of numerous shoppers and visitors year round. The DDA plays an active role in the continued growth of the Central Business District.