Primary Growth Sectors
Battle Creek and Southwest Michigan are home to many organizations that are recognized, national leaders across these industries. The research, development and day-to-day operations of these industries attract workforce, talent development organizations, and investments in the area. This work and investment only strengthen the resources and talent pool available here in Battle Creek.
The following sectors are explored in more depth in our 2026 Strategic Plan.
Aviation & Defense
Battle Creek’s Aviation and Defense sector encompasses a wide range of industries, including aircraft and component manufacturing, aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), advanced aerial systems, unmanned aircraft, and technologies and equipment supporting national defense.
Aviation and Defense remains an important and resilient part of the U.S. economy, driven by continued demand for air travel, investment in new aircraft and technology, and growing defense and national security needs. These trends are creating opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers, MRO operations, and companies developing the next generation of aviation and defense technologies.
With strong wages, highly skilled career opportunities, and continued investment in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies, the sector represents significant potential for economic growth. Battle Creek is well positioned to support that growth, with established aviation and manufacturing assets, the new MICH-AIR initiative, a skilled workforce, available development opportunities, and a growing ecosystem supporting advanced aviation technologies.
Learn more about the Defense Industry in Battle Creek here.
Learn more about MICH-AIR here.
Energy Generation and Storage
The Energy Generation and Storage sector encompasses technologies supporting a wide range of applications, including electric vehicles, advanced aircraft, industrial operations, and utility-scale energy storage. BCU is focused on attracting and supporting companies across the energy storage supply chain, including battery materials and component manufacturing, battery cell and pack production, charging infrastructure, fuel cells, and battery recycling.
Demand for advanced energy and storage technologies continues to create new opportunities for investment and innovation. Growth in vehicle electrification, renewable energy, grid modernization, and next-generation mobility is driving the need for more efficient batteries, new materials, expanded manufacturing capacity, and stronger domestic supply chains.
For Battle Creek, this growing sector is a natural fit with the community’s strong manufacturing base, skilled workforce, available industrial sites, and proximity to Michigan’s automotive and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. These assets position Battle Creek to support companies developing and manufacturing the technologies that will help power the future.
Food & Beverage
The Food and Beverage sector encompasses the processing, production, packaging, and distribution of food and beverage products, from raw agricultural ingredients to finished consumer goods. The industry includes major food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, private-label and contract manufacturers, and the specialized companies that support food production and innovation.
Battle Creek has a long and internationally recognized history in the food industry. Known as the birthplace of the cereal industry, the community has been home to major food production for more than a century and continues to support a strong concentration of food manufacturers, suppliers, and industry expertise.
Today, companies throughout Battle Creek benefit from an established food manufacturing ecosystem, a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and access to major transportation networks. Its central Midwest location also provides convenient access to major markets including Chicago, Detroit, and Indianapolis.
With generations of food manufacturing experience and an ecosystem built to support the industry, Battle Creek offers a strong foundation for food and beverage companies looking to grow, invest, and innovate.
Housing
Housing is a critical component of Battle Creek’s continued economic growth. A strong and diverse housing supply helps attract and retain residents, supports local employers and their workforce, strengthens neighborhoods, and creates greater opportunity for people to build a future in Battle Creek.
BCU is focused on expanding housing options across the community, with particular attention to affordable and workforce housing. Increasing the availability and variety of housing helps ensure that current and prospective residents; including young professionals, families, and employees of growing businesses have opportunities to live and invest in the community.
Addressing Battle Creek’s housing needs requires collaboration. BCU works alongside developers, policymakers, community organizations, philanthropic partners, employers, and other public and private stakeholders to identify opportunities, overcome barriers, and support new housing investment.
Through these partnerships, BCU is helping create the conditions for new housing development that supports population growth, strengthens our workforce, and contributes to a more vibrant and resilient Battle Creek.
Placemaking
Placemaking is about creating vibrant, welcoming spaces that strengthen communities and improve quality of life. Thoughtful investments in public spaces and other community assets help connect people to where they live while building a stronger sense of place and community pride. These investments also play an important role in attracting and retaining residents, talent, businesses, and new investment.
Battle Creek already has a strong foundation of community assets, including parks, recreational amenities, gathering spaces, and other destinations that contribute to the city’s character and livability. Many of these spaces also present opportunities for reinvestment and modernization.
BCU is focused on identifying and supporting placemaking projects with the greatest potential to strengthen neighborhoods, encourage activity, and enhance the overall experience of living, working, and spending time in Battle Creek. By investing strategically in existing assets and creating new opportunities, we can help build a more connected, vibrant, and welcoming community for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Socioeconomic Advocacy
Strong communities and strong economies go hand in hand. Access to essential resources and opportunities directly impacts workforce participation, talent retention, quality of life, and the ability of residents to succeed. BCU recognizes that economic development extends beyond attracting businesses and creating jobs. It also means helping address the barriers that can prevent people from fully participating in the local economy.
Through advocacy, partnerships, and community engagement, BCU works alongside local organizations and stakeholders to support solutions to challenges that impact Battle Creek residents and employers. Key areas of focus include transportation, childcare, food access, healthcare and mental health resources, education, and access to arts and culture.
These are complex challenges that require collaborative solutions. BCU’s role is to bring an economic development perspective to the table, advocate for meaningful change, and participate with partners already doing important work in these areas. By helping reduce barriers to employment and opportunity, we can strengthen Battle Creek’s workforce, improve quality of life, and build a more resilient economy.
