Supporting entrepreneurs

Northern Initiatives provides money and know-how to small business owners throughout Michigan.  We support business startups, business expansions and greater empowerment for everyone living in under-invested communities. Access to capital is only part of the equation though.  Northern Initiatives provides coaching, resources and tools to help our customers achieve their goals.

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

Northern Initiatives small business 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!

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 small business 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

The Candied Yam

Grand Rapids, Michigan
Jessica Tyson is involved. She’s involved in her community, her partnerships, her church, her family, and – at the center - her business. The Candied…
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First Catch

Baraga, Michigan
Paul Smith really likes to fish and is more than ready to make a living at it. But sometimes, the winds of fortune blow strangely.…
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Millie’s Farms

Newaygo, Michigan
A loan to Millie’s Farms, a woman-owned family farm in Big Prairie Township near Newaygo, put Northern Initiatives over the $100 million mark in loans…
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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…
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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…
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