News

5 Minutes with Kalene McElveen

Tastefull Vegan owner Kalene McElveen took second place in the Michigan Good Food Fund pitch contest at the Making it in Michigan event. Food businesses from across the state applied to participate in the competition. Tastefull Vegan and the Mushroom Angel Company were selected to pitch live at the event. Both walked away with money to invest in their businesses.

As part of the Michigan Good Food Fund’s “Five Minutes with an Entrepreneur” series, McElveen shares her experience – and her wisdom.

What’s the biggest ah-ha you’ve had?

You don’t know what you don’t know, and what you don’t know is costing you. I think the worst mindset for a business owner to have is to think that they “know it all.” We all have reached some level of success based on the information we’ve obtained. Continuing education is critical to long-term success and when we don’t know certain information it cost us time, money, and peace of mind.

Read the interview

Plus, who could resist a stop at the shop (2265 Porter St. SW, Wyoming, MI) to hang out with Kalene, LJ, Sophia, and a Strawberry Cheesecake Blizzard? Northern Initiatives President Elissa Sangalli and Business Coach Cailin Kelly couldn’t! Check out the  Turtle Sundae, too.

 

More News Stories

This story in Rural Innovation gives a good glimpse into the roots of Northern Initiatives. We dove into the history to celebrate our 30th anniversary…
Read More
Kris Spaulding joins CDFI GRAND RAPIDS, MICH., Feb. 6, 2025 – Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender serving Michigan, has hired a Climate Justice and Environmental…
Read More
Opportunity Finance Network, the leading organization for mission lenders nationwide, is featuring Flowers Automotive Recycling on its website. Ronald Flowers is building both a family…
Read More