Northern Initiatives envisions a thriving economy comprised of small place-based businesses. The organization believes that communities with higher proportions of local ownership are healthier and more resilient. Read It…

The future is female, one-year celebrations, celebrating small business, NI's new office, and more The future is female Gina Jacquart Thorsen made history as the first female CEO of Jacquart…

Our 2021 Annual Report   If the country didn’t realize the importance of Community Development Financial Institutions before the pandemic, they certainly are aware now. CDFIs helped more small businesses…

Northern Initiatives Helps Snackwerks Grow and Hire   BATTLE CREEK, MICH. - The sweet smells of cinnamon and apples waft through a northside Battle Creek neighborhood where a former grocery…

Battle Creek Entrepreneur Education programs launch in West Michigan Northern Initiatives continues its mission of supporting Battle Creek businesses with new programs designed specifically for early stage entrepreneurs. A Business…

Customers in the News Mexican menu, logging equipment, fishing lures, and a growing franchise MEDC and Initiate In an effort to support small businesses in Northern Michigan, specialized business training…

Make An Impact (The guide actually works all year long) If you want your money to go further, keep it close to home. We've found out during this pandemic just…

As Seen on TV The lighting on 'Yellowstone' steals the show Craftsman Phil Myer just wanted to pick up some quarter sawn white oak at his local lumberyard. He didn’t…