Cornerstone Alliance Receives Two Economic Development Awards
Recognized for its Business Plan Certified program and Canal Commons placemaking project.
Cornerstone Alliance Receives Two 2026 Mid-America Economic Development Awards
Cornerstone Alliance was recognized with two 2026 Mid-America Economic Development Council (Mid-America EDC) awards for initiatives supporting local entrepreneurs and creating new opportunities for community gathering and connection in Benton Harbor.
Cornerstone Alliance received the Entrepreneurial Award for its Business Plan Certified program and the Placemaking Award for Canal Commons at the 2026 Mid-America EDC Annual Conference, held Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids.
The Entrepreneurial Award recognizes programs that take a unique approach to strengthening entrepreneurial culture by guiding businesses through early stages of development and supporting small business owners as they pursue growth.
Business Plan Certified is an eight-month entrepreneurial certification program offered through Entrepreneurial Services at Cornerstone Alliance. The program is designed for entrepreneurs ready to move an idea forward or prepare an existing business for growth.
Participants work through a structured, competency-based process with partners including the Small Business Development Center and Lake Michigan College. The program culminates in a comprehensive, funding-ready business plan and an official certification.
Launched in 2025, the program graduated 16 entrepreneurs from its inaugural cohort. The 2026 cohort is currently underway, with participants preparing to complete their certification and graduate at Cornerstone Alliance's ELEVATE Entrepreneurship event on Oct. 1.
"Business Plan Certified is one way we can help entrepreneurs take the next step with greater preparation and confidence," said Marla Schneider, President/CEO, Cornerstone Alliance. "We're grateful to the entrepreneurs, partners and sponsors who have helped build the program, and we're proud to see their work recognized through this award."
The Placemaking Award recognizes projects that strengthen communities by transforming underused public spaces into places where people can gather, connect, and spend time.
Canal Commons, located at 216 Riverview Drive along the north edge of the former Benton Harbor Ship Canal, represents a collaborative effort to bring new activity and purpose to a historically significant area. Once primarily surface parking and underused commercial space, the site now features a fully accessible plaza with streetscape improvements, a riverwalk and bike trail connection, fishing pier, dog park, firepits and a pop-up incubator space for food trucks and small vendors.
The $2 million project was supported with $1 million in state funding through the Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) 2.0 Program and a $1 million commitment from the Whirlpool Foundation.
Located on the St. Joseph River, near the Emma Jean Hull Flats, an 80-unit multifamily housing development, Canal Commons connects to more than 13 miles of regional bike trails and sits at the intersection of Benton Harbor's growing Arts District and Riverview Drive corridor.
In its inaugural summer programming season, Cornerstone Alliance worked with community partners to activate the space with a series of free events and activities focused on wellness, food, and community gathering. Weekly programming included sunrise movement sessions with Renaissance Athletic Club, Lunch at the Commons featuring local food trucks, and community run-and-plunge events with House of Plunge, along with special events and vendor activations throughout the summer. The programming helped introduce the space to residents and visitors and establish Canal Commons as an active part of Benton Harbor's waterfront.
Mid-America EDC is a multi-state association connecting economic development professionals across a 13-state region. The organization provides resources for economic development professionals, including opportunities to share best practices, advance regional initiatives, and connect with site selectors. Its annual awards recognize innovative economic development and marketing efforts throughout the region.
About Cornerstone Alliance
Cornerstone Alliance is the economic development organization dedicated to fostering growth and prosperity in Michigan’s Great Southwest. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, Cornerstone Alliance drives innovation and opportunity, positioning the region for sustainable economic success. As the leading advocate for the local business and development sector, Cornerstone Alliance delivers tailored business assistance across Berrien County.
About Mid-America Economic Development Council
The Mid-America Economic Development Council
(Mid-America EDC) is a regional organization connecting economic development professionals across a 13-state area. Through professional development, networking, research, and collaboration, Mid-America EDC provides resources and opportunities that support economic development efforts and promote the exchange of ideas and best practices across the region.
