Handy tool for your business location research tool belt

Andy Hayes, Michigan State University Extension -

MEDC Zoom Prospector adds important area demographics to real estate listings.

If you’re an entrepreneur fresh out the gate or a seasoned veteran business owner knowing the ins and outs of an area is an important part of selecting a new community to open your business or a secondary location. There are tools available to help make the research simple for you. One of those tools is the Real Estate Database or Zoom Prospector provided free of charge from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). 

Some of the features that Zoom Prospector offers are: property and site availability, community demographics and multiple city comparisons. The site includes valuable information to consider when comparing different sites including; labor force, demographics, consumer spending, housing, etc. Michigan State University Extension partner Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) utilizes zoom prospector when assisting current and potential companies in the four counties the NLEA covers. 

The NLEA offers assistance depending on your expertise and background, to help you continue to grow your business. They offer a wide range of trainings and workshops; utilizing the most comprehensive academic and economic development resources available today from our many federal, state and local partners. Whether you are a new business start-up, or Fortune 500 company seeking to expand, their experienced staff will help you with a wide variety of industry-specific issues, and challenges, then work with you on an on-going basis to identify and prepare for growth opportunities.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?


Sample Grand Traverse Event - April 18, 2024

Register Now

SLEEP Basics : Burgess - Shadbush Nature Center

Register Now

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • business,
  • business development,
  • entrepreneurship,
  • msu extension
  • follow us on youtube
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).