Business Equity Initiative logo

Grants available for women business owners in Muskegon!

The Business Equity Initiative Fund assists women business owners, particularly women of color, with access to capital and funding support not available through traditional loans.

Learn more here.

30 Years of Stories ... and We're Just Getting Started

Northern Initiatives customers span the state; there’s no doubt one in your community, maybe even in your block. We love telling their stories – and having them help us tell ours. Watch the video!

We Invest in Ambition

Northern Initiatives provides loans to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Michigan that might not qualify for a small business loan from traditional banks for various reasons. Northern Initiatives offers access to capital at reasonable rates to those who would never have the chance or who would have entered business undercapitalized.

Supporting Businesses that Support Communities

Business Lending

Need a Small Business Loan, but Can’t Get Bank Financing? We Can Help

Our lending team looks at character and cash flow. We can help your business get off the ground or continue growing with loans from $1,000 to $500,000. We even have interest-free loans for UPPCO customers working on energy efficiency projects.

Business Support

Resources and Coaching to Help Your Business Succeed

Starting a business takes more than just money, it takes know-how. Our team is focused on providing both so your business soars. We have tools, templates, videos and individual coaching to ensure you have what you need to succeed.

$100M

Given in small
business loans

100%

Of our loan customers receive additional business support

7,000

Total jobs created and retained by our small business loans

67%

Of our 2022 customers were startups

Our Impact

Our impact is measured through the success of our businesses and their employees. We have been able to give loans to hundreds of businesses and helped businesses create thousands of jobs, but our real success is when we see businesses across our region thrive. You can help us support that vision with a gift or ongoing partnership.

Featured Success Stories

Hiawatha Log Homes

Wetmore, Michigan
‘A TimberPro on Every 40’ Hiawatha Log Homes saves energy and customers benefit Joe Esbrook’s log home was built by his dad the year Joe…
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Start Garden winners team up with Northern Initiatives

Grand Rapids, Michigan
Start Garden Demo Day is legendary. The Grand Rapids-based business incubator holds an annual pitch contest, beginning with a 100-second video pitch and ending with…
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Wormie’s

Alto, MIchigan
Luis Chen-Aguilera turns compost at Wormie's Luis Chen-Aguilera is turning Kent County’s food and yard waste into fertile soil, with the…
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Flowers Automotive Recyclers

Kalamazoo, Michigan
Ronald Flowers is using his business to save the planet, as well as create a family legacy. Ronald Flowers talks about…
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2023 Gift Guide

One of the best things about supporting small businesses is we know exactly where to shop - and now, so do you!   🧡Aaahhh🧡 Float…
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