Learn More About Northern Initiatives

Northern Initiatives works throughout Michigan, with customers in all 83 counties. There’s probably a Northern Initiatives customer in your neighborhood.

Media Contact: Jodee Taylor, (231) 570-0504

See Our Impact in Your Region

Northern Initiatives started as a program of Northern Michigan University’s College of Business, to help build economic resilience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The partnership between ShoreBank Corp. and NMU was the first of its kind between a bank and a major university.

Northern Initiatives embarked on a geographical expansion in 2005, adding 31 counties in the Lower Peninsula. The region was rural, like the U.P., and not served by a CDFI.

In 2018, Northern Initiatives expanded into southern Lower Michigan, reinforcing support for small business ownership that more accurately reflects the region’s population.

Click a region to see our impact (updated May 2025)

Get To Know Our Customers

Upper Peninsula

As all brilliant ideas start, Bill Anderson and Liisa Petersen’s vision started in the kitchen over dinner and a glass of wine. They couldn’t stop thinking about the historic and abandoned Mather building in Ishpeming and its hidden potential.

Beyond that, they thought of their community. They saw a chance to create something lasting in a town that values authenticity and genuine connection, to draw people to a region rich with history and stories to share.

At first, there was no firm plan, just a feeling: Somebody has to save that building. Then: Why not us?

They bought The Mather in July 2022 and started renovations immediately.

At first, the project was daunting; their to-do list was never-ending. The renovations were time-consuming and expensive, and the two wanted to preserve as much of the historic building as possible.

The whole time, Liisa and Bill knew they wanted to work with Northern Initiatives, but they didn’t know how good it was going to get. Through a partnership with UPPCO, the Upper Peninsula Power Co. and the Mather’s utility provider, Northern Initiatives was able to give them 0% loans to make energy improvements.

Mid-Michigan

Consistency matters deeply to young children, and the former owners of Tiny Treasures Day Care understood that just as clearly as the 100 parents who trusted them with their kids every day. As they began planning for retirement, their biggest concern wasn’t simply stepping away from the business—it was ensuring that the children would continue to experience the same stability, routines, and familiar faces they relied on. Disrupting that sense of continuity felt unthinkable, so the owners looked for someone the children already knew and trusted.

They didn’t have to look far. Sarah Foglesong had spent years working at Tiny Treasures and had built strong relationships with both families and staff. With a degree in Family Life Education and a deep understanding of early childhood development, she was well prepared for the responsibility. At the same time, Foglesong was entering a new chapter of her own life, newly engaged and ready to put down roots in Gaylord. Stepping into ownership allowed her to do both—continue caring for children she loved and secure the future of a vital community resource.

The fully licensed day care serves up to 52 children and employs a staff of eight, making it a significant part of the local care infrastructure. An SBA Community Advantage loan from Northern Initiatives, using funds from the Michigan CDFI Coalition, made the transition possible and kept the doors open during the ownership change.

West Michigan

Scott Kiaunis was moved by seeing families trapped in
unsafe housing and wanted to intervene before small
issues became crises. He and his wife, Kaila Richey, founded Fresh Coast Inspections to close gaps in homeownership through knowledge and prevention.

Scott wanted to make an impact earlier in the process, before problems became emergencies. So he and his wife Kaila founded Fresh Coast Inspections in Norton Shores, an inspection business built on the idea that knowledge and prevention can change lives. With his deep experience in structural safety, and her business expertise, they help homeowners and prospective buyers understand the true condition of a property — empowering them to make informed, confident decisions that protect both their families and their investments.

Launching a mission-driven inspection business in
Norton Shores came with challenges, as traditional
lenders wouldn’t cover early equipment, insurance,
and operating costs. The couple needed flexible capital to get started.

Northern Initiatives, with support from the Grand Haven Community Foundation, provided the financing that helped Scott and Kaila open their doors. That support allowed Fresh Coast Inspections to begin
serving and protecting their community.

Battle Creek

Entrepreneurs who had completed Northern Initiatives’ Business Plan cohort built on that base by enrolling in Northern Initiatives’ Capital Readiness Program cohort. Businesses ranged from real estate to nutritionists to candy stores. A dozen graduated.

During the cohort, they delved into types of funding from angel investors to private equity and microloans.

The entrepreneurs had already been through Northern Initiatives Business Plan Cohort and will continue to receive guidance and coaching while they aim for new milestones.