Discover Southwest Michigan
Total Incentive
$14,000
Description
Careers & Coastlines: Discover Southwest Michigan
From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to historic downtowns and rolling vineyards, Southwest Michigan offers big-city opportunities wrapped in small-town charm. Here, it’s not just about finding a job—it’s about loving where you live. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or a seasoned expert ready for a change, the Discover Southwest Michigan program helps you move with purpose. It’s your chance to launch your future or plant roots in a vibrant, close-knit community where careers grow, coastlines inspire, and quality of life comes standard.
"There's not too many places in the world where you have access to so much nature, so many cities and so much community."
-Forrest A. moved to Southwest Michigan in 2021
Explore the Perks of Life in Southwest Michigan
From the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to charming small towns and vibrant downtowns, Southwest Michigan offers a lifestyle that’s both relaxed and full of opportunity. Known for its scenic beauty, affordable cost of living, and strong sense of community, the region blends lakefront living with career growth, cultural events, and outdoor adventures. With award-winning schools, friendly neighborhoods, and a welcoming spirit, it’s an ideal place to plant roots. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, continue your education, or raise a family, our relocation benefits are designed to help you thrive in Southwest Michigan from day one:
🏡 $5,000 Toward Buying Your First Home in Southwest Michigan: Get a head start on homeownership with a $5,000 incentive to put toward your first home purchase in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County—helping you plant roots and invest in your future. (Eligibility Rules Apply)
🗺️ Personalized Community Tour: Wherever you land in the region, you’ll get a custom tour of your new hometown led by a local! From coffee shops and parks to neighborhoods and schools, we’ll make sure you feel oriented and excited about your new community.
🎓 Free College Tuition at Lake Michigan College For Eligible Students: If you or your family members are eligible, take advantage of free tuition at Lake Michigan College—a respected local institution offering strong academic programs and career pathways, all within reach.
📚 One-on-One Help Enrolling Your Kids in School: Moving with kids? We provide personalized support to help you find the right school for your child, navigate enrollment, and get them set up for success from day one—whether public, private, or charter.
💞 Have a Partner? We’ll Help Them Plug In, Too: We know a move affects more than one person. If you have a partner, we’ll work with them to explore job opportunities, social groups, and community connections—so everyone feels supported in the move.
Opportunity Across Industries
In Southwest Michigan, you’ll find opportunity in sectors that match the region’s strengths:
🏭 Advanced Manufacturing & Medical Devices – The region’s manufacturing heritage has evolved into a hub for advanced production and precision engineering. Employers such as Whirlpool Corporation in Benton Harbor, LECO, and Stryker’s nearby medical device operations fuel innovation in product design, automation, and materials. From machinists and engineers to supply chain specialists, these roles combine hands-on skill with cutting-edge technology.
⚕️ Healthcare – Anchored by Corewell Health Lakeland and supported by family practices, rehabilitation centers, and specialized clinics, healthcare remains one of Southwest Michigan’s largest and most stable employers. Opportunities span nursing, allied health, administrative, and support positions, offering strong career growth and direct community impact.
🌾 Agriculture – Known for its fertile soil and favorable climate, this region produces a wide range of crops — from blueberries and grapes to apples and corn. Agribusinesses, cooperatives, and family farms drive demand for workers in cultivation, processing, logistics, and sustainable farming practices. Food manufacturing and distribution also offer entry points for operations and management professionals.
🏖️ Tourism & Hospitality – With its scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, charming downtowns, and award-winning wineries and breweries, Southwest Michigan thrives as a destination for travelers. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, and event venues offer seasonal and year-round employment in hospitality, customer service, and management, fueling a sector that celebrates local culture and natural beauty.
📚 Education & Community Services – Institutions like Southwestern Michigan College and Lake Michigan College, alongside robust public school systems and nonprofit organizations, create fulfilling pathways for educators, administrators, and support staff. Local nonprofits and community agencies also provide roles in youth development, social work, and family services.
Dive into opportunities in Southwest Michigan
We know searching for a job can be intimidating and overwhelming. We've created an Employment Guide to help. Explore our recommended job board, industries, employers, and training opportunities in the area.
This program is sponsored by the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber with support from the Michigan Growth Office.
Southwest Michigan is recruiting job-seekers who:
Are 18 years old or older
Must live outside the State of Michigan
Will commit to moving to either Berrien, Cass or Van Buren County for at least one year
Will secure full-time employment earning at least $40,000 annually in Berrien, Cass or Van Buren County
Remote workers, gig workers and self-employed workers are not eligible
Will provide employment and residency documentation to confirm eligibility
Wait just a second while we retrieve your eligibility status for this program.
FAQ
What do I have to do to qualify for relocation incentives?
To qualify for relocation incentives, participants must be relocating from outside the state of Michigan, secure a job earning at least $40,000 from an employer located in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County, and secure housing in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County.
Do only employers on the Discover Southwest Michigan website qualify for the program?
The jobs listed on the Discover Southwest Michigan website are with reputable employers who are frequently hiring, but they are not the only positions that qualify. Any job located in Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren County earning at least $40,000 a year (roughly $19 an hour if you are working full time) qualifies for the program. You are welcome to find jobs on other platforms including Indeed, LinkedIn, or directly through company sites.
Which communities are eligible?
For our program, we define Southwest Michigan as Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. Berrien County includes Baroda, Buchanan, Coloma, Eau Claire, Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, Galien, New Buffalo, Niles, Bridgman, Sawyer, St. Joseph, Stevensville, Three Oaks, Union Pier, and Watervliet. Cass County includes Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Edwardsburg, Marcelus, and Vandalia. Van Buren County includes Bloomingdale, Breedsville, Covert, Decatur, Gobles, Hartford, Lawrence, Lawton, Mattawan, Paw Paw, and South Haven.
Other Details
Program Categories
How It Works
This community is participating in the MakeMyMove on-platform application process. Apply in a few minutes. You’ll receive a response to your application, and will have access to a team to help along the way.
1. Apply
Fill out our fast application form to share your information and why you’re interested in making a move.
2. Get Pre-Approved
Qualifying applicants will receive an introduction to the local sponsors of the program who will answer your questions, and help you decide if the community is the right fit.
3. Confirm Eligibility
Once you’ve been selected, we’ll confirm your eligibility for the program and facilitate a formal offer from the community.
4. Accept and Make Your Move
Accept your offer to reserve your spot in the program, and let us know when you arrive to receive the incentive.