Centered between Traverse City and Charlevoix, Elk Rapids offers businesses, retailers and restaurants a beautiful community with easy access to US 31, and abundant fresh waterways. Elk Rapids has two harbors, the Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor, on Grand Traverse Bay, and the Elk Rapids Marina, at the mouth of Elk Lake, leading into a chain of five fresh water lakes. Whether or not this plays into the functionality of your business, it does allow you to play when you are not working. Agriculture, and fruit-off-the-branch opportunities are found abundantly throughout the region, enhancing lifestyle as well as commerce.
Elk Rapids is home to a variety of businesses, many with international distribution. See the manufacturers and retail listing page of this website,
(Add link) and the Business Cluster Analysis (Add Link), for more information

Our top rated schools, and public services such as 24-hour rescue, provide the foundation for growth and sustainability – important factors to consider when moving your enterprise involves moving your family. (Link to Elk Rapids Schools)
Now is a great time to buy a house on streets full of charm, history and good neighbors.

Over the years, the Elk Rapids Village Council and commissions, along with the Downtown Development Authority, have engaged and updated the Comprehensive Plan for the City, adapting zoning regulations conducive to West and East side corridors commercial and industrial business uses.
Our goal is to guide you through business start-up or expansion processes as simply as possible. All zoning requirements and information can be found on our Village (LINK) and Township (LINK) web sites.

If you are considering opening a business in Elk Rapids, email Lindy Bishop, Economic Development Director at, elkonomy@gmail.com
Lindy will answer your inquiry, or direct you to the right resources.