Downtown Development Authority
Are you thinking about starting a business in the area? Bessemer is the perfect place to make your small business dreams come true and the Bessemer Downtown Development Authority wants to help!
The Pop-Up Shop program from the Bessemer DDA helps new business owners get off the ground and make their idea a reality! If you want to open a business in the downtown district of Bessemer you could be eligible for assistance on rent and building upgrades.
Assistance available
- Up to $500/ month in rental reimbursement assistance for up to 3 months followed up by 6 months of reimbursement at 50%.
- 1:1 dollar match for upgrades with owners approval up to $500.
Contact the Mandy at mandy.lake@cityofbessemermi.gov or call City Hall at 906-663-4311 for more information.
Eligible buildings downtown can apply to improve their exteriors. An outline of the program can be found here. Contact Mandy at mandy.lake@cityofbessemermi.gov with any questions or to apply.
2026 Meeting Schedule
The Bessemer Downtown Development Authority meets on the 2nd Wednesday of every other month at 6:00 PM, unless there is a conflict with holidays, in the Council Chambers at City Hall located at 411 S Sophie, Bessemer, MI 49911.
- January 14th
- March 11th
- May 13th (rescheduled to May 6th)
- July 8th
- September 9th
- November 18th
All meetings are open to members of the public under Michigan’s Open Meetings Act.
This notice is posted in compliance with Public Act 267 of 1976, as amended. The Open Meetings Act, MCL41.72a (2) (3) and the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Bessemer’s Clerk at 906-667-0333 at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
Suggested Businesses
The Downtown Development Authority and Be Bessemer Committee both sat down and brainstormed which businesses may do well in our community. Obviously, we can’t guarantee success, but we thought people looking at owning their own business may find our thoughts helpful. We recommend entrepreneurs do their own research and market study prior to opening a business. This is by no means an end all, be all type list. Bessemer is proud to say that we partner with business owners and also offer tax abatement and incentives for new developers.
Current Contracts
City of Bessemer, Snow removal
City of Bessemer, Summer Worker
Malmberg Properties LLC, Ethnic Commons Camera
Lake Superior Finishworks LLC, Mural Frame
Malmberg Properties LLC and Rachael Hendges, Welcome to Bessemer Mural
City of Bessemer, City Manager
Staff Contact
Mandy Lake, City Manager
Board Members
- Dave Osier, Chair
- Mark Movrich, City Council Representative
- Dan Whitburn
- Karen Stevens
- Harry Swanson
- Valentin Pulido
- Brad Beach
- Jeff Burt
- Mark Serwe
There are currently no openings on the board. Contact the City Manager if you are interested in joining in the future!
Current Savings
The City of Bessemer DDA does not hold on to Tax Increment Financing funds for 5 years or longer.