Lakeshore Advantage wins national award for downtown Holland’s Next Center
Lakeshore Advantage’s Next Center earned national recognition for supporting entrepreneurship, small businesses, and regional economic development through collaboration and innovation.
What’s happening: Lakeshore Advantage received a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Medal Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its Next Center project in downtown Holland. The award recognizes Lakeshore Advantage in the Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development category for communities with populations of 200,000 to 500,000. Nora Vandenbrink, vice president of entrepreneurship, will accept the award on behalf of Lakeshore Advantage at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans Oct. 25–28.
Why it’s important: Developed by Lakeshore Advantage, the Next Center is a three-story hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and regional collaboration designed to strengthen the support system for founders and small businesses in the Lakeshore region. The center brings Lakeshore Advantage, the economic development organization for Ottawa and Allegan counties, and its SURGE program together under one roof, while also connecting startups, business leaders, educators, investors, and community partners. These connections between emerging companies and established employers help shape the region’s future economy.
What’s the background: The Next Center is the home of SURGE, Lakeshore Advantage’s startup and high-growth business support program, which assists more than 50 startups a year with business connections, program support, mentorship, and navigation.
“Lakeshore Advantage is leading with excellence in the field of economic development with its Next Center project,” said Nathan Ohle, IEDC president and CEO. “This award shines a spotlight on Lakeshore Advantage’s commitment to its community and showcases the significant impact of economic development.”
What’s the context: Each year, IEDC honors economic development organizations, government entities, initiatives, and programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in the field. The honorees lead transformational projects that revitalize communities and advance economic development.
What they’re saying: “The Next Center was created to make entrepreneurship more visible, accessible, and connected in our region,” VandenBrink said. “By bringing startups, small businesses, mentors, investors, and economic development partners together under one roof, we are building a stronger support system for founders and helping grow the next generation of primary employers along the Lakeshore. This recognition from IEDC affirms the power of that collaborative approach and the community commitment behind it.”
Why the timing is noteworthy: IEDC is celebrating its 100th anniversary by highlighting successes and spotlighting programs that inspire and prepare the field for the next century of economic development.
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