Myconaut awarded NSF grant
Myconaut, providers of affordable, nutritious mushrooms for Northern Michigan University and local businesses, is also a biotech startup that Northern Initiatives is thrilled to support. Founders Ryan Iacovacci, left, and…
Northern Initiatives President Elissa Sangalli, shown here with CEDAM board member Charlotte Smith, was named Leader of the Year by CEDAM Michigan at its annual meeting.
Elissa Sangalli named Leader of the Year
Annually, the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM) recognizes a Leader of the Year. They look for a member who has engaged in creative programming, been involved in an exciting…
CDFI leaders testify in Lansing
Elissa Sangalli and Jennifer Hayes testified before the Michigan State Senate March 6. They talked to the LEO/MEDC Appropriations Subcommittee about the importance of CDFIs and the impact they have…
Federal aid for low-snow winter
As Michigan continues to face record high winter temperatures, Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged Michigan small businesses impacted by lack of snow to apply for federal funding from the Small Business…
Happy Leap Day Birthday, Cafe Rica
Our favorite Battle Creek coffee (and so much more) shop opened on Feb. 29, 2020, so they celebrated their First Birthday this year, with some really fun things. Festivities will…
Olvera Enterprises, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Olvera Enterprises to expand
Crain's Grand Rapids Business has a nice article on the expansion of Supermercado Mexico. With the new CEO in place, co-owner Javier Olvera hopes to position Supermercado Mexico to add…
Where Banks Fear to Tread: CDFIs rush in to finance startups and small businesses
Rick Haglund writes in the Traverse City Business News (subscription): Most Michigan CDFIs, which must be certified by the Treasury Department, are located in the southern half of the state. Just…
How some Southwest Michigan entrepreneurs stack the odds in their favor
Wonderful story about our Entrepreneur Education programs in Battle Creek: In the Battle Creek area, there’s an education program for would-be entrepreneurs to help them deal with all the unknowns.…
Industry Founders Challenge CDFIs to Embrace a More Expansive Vision
Nonprofit Quarterly writer Steve Dubb covered the OFN Conference, including the Gramlich Award given to two of our board members, Mary Houghton and Ron Gryzwinski. The Gramlich Award is offered…
Northern Initiatives Reaches $100 Million in Loans to Small Businesses
Milestone arrives as the nonprofit lender is celebrating 30 years of supporting Michigan small businesses Northern Initiatives, a nonprofit lender supporting small businesses in Michigan, has reached $100 million in…
