We’re celebrating our 30th Anniversary

We’d love for you to join us!

Nov. 19, noon, online



Click Here to Register



Check out our Gift Guide!

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

2024 Gift Guide

All Over Michigan
Support these wonderful small businesses this giving season This year, skip the big box stores and discover unique, thoughtfully crafted gifts from small businesses across…
Story More Stories

Americana Manufacturing

Lapeer, Michigan
For Ben Logan, school was often a struggle. Dyslexia made traditional learning challenging, and he spent much of his time watching cartoons in a special…
Story More Stories

Buck’s Port Hope Diner

Port Hope, Michigan
The 217 residents of Port Hope are grateful. “Thank you for investing in our town.” “You’ve changed my business by opening yours.” “You put Port…
Story More Stories

Myconaut

Marquette, Michigan
 While Joe Lane, left, and Ryan Iacovacci are growing mushrooms to feed people, they’re also working to save the planet. The owners of Myconaut were…
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Chalets offer shopping and valuable experience

Leiko Bergers, left, works with Northern Initiatives Business Coach Cailin Kelly Leiko Bergers has always shared her energy and “retail can…
Story More Stories